Review of the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association 2025 summer workshop.

Summertime in the Maritimes is the busiest season for beekeeping as well as many other activities.  Especially during July and August, farming and family activities stretch us thin as we take advantage of the brief period of warm weather.  So it is always good to see beekeepers attend workshops and other training events during the busy beekeeping season.  An example of a well attended event was seen this past weekend when the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association held their 2025 summer workshop.  As a review of the activities for those who were unable to attend and to highlight the important points, this weeks blog will summarize the 2025 NBBA summer workshop.

Review of the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association 2025 summer workshop.

This year's NBBA summer workshop was hosted by Chris Lockhart, current association president, at his honey extraction facility at Lower Mountain Road, Boundary Creek (just west of Moncton). The sunshine encouraged attendance and just short of 40 beekeepers participated. A good range of topics provided excellent information appropriate for all, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Beekeepers traveled from across the breadth of the province, arriving from as far away as Charlo and St John.

Paul Vautour Presenting at the NBBA 2025 summer workshop day

After a warm welcome from the NBBA executive, the first workshop was conducted by local beekeeper Paul Vautour.  Paul, a well respected and experienced beekeeper, provided some interesting information on honey bee biology generally and queen performance specifically.  He also gave a practical demonstration of the correct way to apply beeswax to foundation. 

With perfect beekeeping weather, Fletcher Colpitts moved everyone outside to assemble around a couple of hives and shared insights into colony examinations.  The practical demonstration provided participants with a deep understanding of what can be seen during a beehive inspection.  Fletcher also showed everyone his method of transporting honey bee colonies for wild blueberry pollination. 

Fletcher Colpitts working a hive as part of a workshop.

NBBA board member, Mitchell Schriver, generously shared his experience in handling and installing honey bee packages. The insights provided by Mitchell, encouraged other beekeepers, unfamiliar with packages, to attempt this with confidence. Even experienced beekeepers learned from Mitchell’s expertise and practical knowledge. One of the important points raised during this presentation was that packages of honey bees need to be monitored carefully and treated for pests and disease. Mitchel told the group how oxalic acid treatment, early after installation, is a highly effective way to manage Varroa mites.

Mitchell Schriver demonstrating how to install a package of honey bees.

The final presentation of the day was done by the ATTTA team represented by Dr. Andrew Byers, senior apiculturist, and Greg Dugas, seasonal apiculturist!  Two important pests were discussed: Varroa mite and wax moth.  The necessity of monitoring for Varroa mites was discussed with a demonstration of a couple of methods for this important activity. The advantages of the alcohol wash and sticky board methods were discussed and highlighted as good options. Varroa mite treatment was also a topic of discussion with two methods, Apivar strips and oxalic acid sublimation, highlighted.  The second topic, wax moth management, was of interest for the group and an overview of the biological control Certan® presented.  The ATTTA team has recently published a wax moth fact sheet, in English and French, which is available online.

Overall, this was an excellent event with great learning opportunities for beekeepers!  The industry and the region's beekeepers are continually benefitting from the support provided by the provincial beekeeping associations.  hanks to the NBBA for organizing this event and to all the enthusiastic participants for attending.

                                             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 attta@perennia.ca