The beneficial work of industry associations and organizations, which is done on behalf of our beekeeping sector, was fully on display last week in Calgary. The Canadian Honey Council, as the main organizer, brought together a range of stakeholders, beekeepers, researchers, trade show venders and more, for two full days of meetings. Delegates heard great presentations, had opportunities to network and speak with vendors and learn what is new in our industry. Some of the highlights of this meeting are presented below.
Review of the Canadian National Beekeeping Convention: BeeTech 2026
Calgary, for the second time, hosted the Canadian National Beekeeping
Convention this past week with over 270 delegates traveling to this easily accessible
city. Two full days, February 13 – 14,
of presentations and an evening banquet provided a tremendous learning
opportunity. The organizers are to be
commended on the quality and breadth of speakers who kept the group fully
engaged for both days. On top of the
organized events there was also some opportunity to network which is one of the
often-undervalued benefits of attending these meetings.
One of the themes, for formal presentations and discussion,
was the threat to Canadian beekeeping from the Tropilaelaps mite. A full morning was dedicated to this
topic. Currently, there are very few
Canadians who have firsthand knowledge of this Asian pest. This leaves us reliant
on limited hands-on experience and emerging research. Luckily, scientists from Auburn University
(Alabama), led by Dr. Geoff Wilson, are creating a North American center of knowledge
on the Tropilaelaps mite. Dr Wilson
spoke, as a keynote, on the work of this team.
A panel discussion on this same subject followed with other entomological
experts, as well as the audience, engaging in a fact-based exploration of this
emerging, global threat. It was
concluded that we have a great deal still to understand about Tropilaelaps
mites but the industry is committed to being as prepared as possible to deal
with it if necessary.
The possible threat of the Tropilaelaps mite did not mean
that the current and ongoing challenge of Varroa mite was ignored. There were several excellent presentations on
Varroa mite management throughout the two days of BeeTech 2026. These ranged from ongoing discussions regarding
the use of existing treatments, such as oxalic acid, to emerging tools (NarroaTM). There was plenty of discussion amongst the
delegates about the four new Varroa treatment options recently registered for
use in Canada. This discussion was
supported by presentations done by representatives of the manufacturers of
these new solutions. An excellent overview
of all Varroa mite treatments was provided by Lynae Ovinge (University of Lethbridge)
which, in a straightforward and concise way, demonstrated the seasonal choices
beekeepers now have for Varroa mite management.
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| Learning resources, such as this image showing a comparison of the Varroa mite and the Tropilaelaps mite, are generously shared by researchers at the University of Auburn. |
Other presenters covered a broad range of topics related to
honey bee health. A couple of novel vaccine
solutions for viral as well as brood disease were of particular interest. The
discussion of emerging technologies, which include molecular fingerprinting
techniques for honey testing (Stephane Bayen, McGill University), show the
direction the industry is moving.
The BeeTech 2026 meeting was a great chance to learn what is
new and immediately available to beekeepers for overall husbandry and specific
disease management. There was also
insight into where the industry may be going with advancing technology. The Canadian Honey Council are to be
commended in their organization and hosting of this hugely beneficial meeting. The BeeTech meetings have become an important
event in our national beekeeping calendar.
The rumor is that next year’s meeting may be closer to home for Atlantic
Canadians, and although our region was well represented in 2026, beekeepers are
encouraged to attend what will be another great event in 2027.
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