Over the past two weeks the ATTTA blog series highlighted the unique successes and challenges of the Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia beekeeping industries for the 2024 season. Continuing with a series of Atlantic industry updates, this week’s blog will highlight how the beekeeping industry faired in New Brunswick throughout the 2024 season.
NB Beekeeping Industry Update 2024
This past
winter New Brunswick beekeepers experienced an average winter loss at 29.1% of
colonies. The percent loss of colonies was reported by the Canadian Association
of Professional Apiculturists in their preliminary report on honey bee
wintering losses in Canada. This percentage of winter loss is considered
manageable, and it is possible for beekeepers to recover this amount of colonies
throughout the beekeeping season.
Varroa mites
remain a top reason for colony loss across the nation each year according to
the CAPA winter loss reports. This past summer ATTTA conducted a regional
Varroa mite survey which included ten NB commercial beekeepers representing a
large number of the province’s colonies. The percentage of colonies in NB positive
for varroa mites increased throughout the beekeeping season from 13% (prior to
pollination) to 63% (late season), as shown in the graph below. It is important
to understand that the normal population trend of Varroa mites increases
throughout the beekeeping season, which is reflected by the increase in mites
sampled between May and September. This makes early spring monitoring and
treatment for Varroa mites crucial because populations can quickly get well
beyond the economic threshold if waiting until the fall to treat colonies
again.
Analysis of Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) levels for 30 New Brunswick colonies, from 10 different beekeepers, at three time points throughout the beekeeping season in 2024.
There was
high demand for pollinating units in NB this past season. In NB, the demand for
wild blueberry pollination is met through bumble bees and alfalfa leafcutting bees
(approximately 30% of all NB wild blueberry pollinating units), and the
majority is met through honey bees (both NB colonies and imported colonies) (New
Brunswick Wild Blueberry Pollination Strategy). This past season there was
government support for those who sent hives to pollination through the Honey
Bee Industry Development Program.
The province
experienced a warmer and dryer beekeeping season compared to the past two
seasons. Between January 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 there were more growing
degree days above 3◦C, 5◦C, and 10◦C across
the province, when compared to 2022 or 2023. Additionally, depending on the
region, there was between 170mm to 559mm less
precipitation in 2024 compared to 2023, and between 48mm to 223mm less
precipitation in 2024 compared to 2022.
More growing
degree days above 3◦C, 5◦C, and 10◦C during early spring increases wild
blueberry development and causes earlier wild blueberry bloom, which means
pollinating units need to be placed onto fields earlier in the season. This can
cause a significant push for beekeepers to get hives ready and onto fields
quickly. There is still variation in the timing of bloom across the province,
but, with changing climate, those involved in pollination should closely
monitor the timing of bloom for efficient and timely pollination.
Below
average precipitation can disrupt forage patterns and cause shortages on stored
food needed to get colonies through the winter. The same is true for above
average rainfall, as experienced in the summer of 2023. With changing climate
there seems to be inconsistent precipitation which makes it difficult for
beekeepers to rely on normal forage patterns throughout the season.
More days
above 10◦C during the fall can present the issue of bees consuming increased
amounts of their honey stores prior to winter. To compensate for bees foraging
when there is less nectar available, beekeepers may have to increase feeding.
Additionally, the longer season allows opportunity for varroa mite levels to
spike. Beekeepers need to be vigilant with mite monitoring in fall, and treat
when indicated.
The honey crop for 2024 varied across the province. Indications from beekeepers and other industry stakeholders are that the 2024 crop will be down from 2023. The final data is not available but early reports suggest a crop reduction of up to 25% compared to the average. More information and insights are needed to report on the NB honey crop overall for the 2024 season.
Overall, the NB
beekeeping industry had a fair season.
In spite of a reduced honey crop, the bees built well throughout the
season and the fall provided good opportunities to feed in preparation for
winter. Beekeepers across the province
remain optimistic about next season as they complete their winter preparations.
Connecting with ATTTA Specialists
If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:
visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/
Email abyers@perennia.ca
Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists. Preliminary statement on honey bee wintering losses in Canada 2024.
Government of New Brunswick. Growing Degree Days and Precipitation 2022 – 2024.
Government of New Brunswick. New Brunswick Wild Blueberry Pollination Strategy 2024 – 2029.