Canadian beekeeping has many advantages. This branch of agriculture surpasses other countries in many respects. Over the past 10 years, beekeeping in Canada has been developing rapidly. At the same time, there is an increase in honey production and exports, and the commercial sector is also strengthening. In addition, there is an expansion in the number of bee colonies against the backdrop of a reduction in the number of beekeepers.
History of Canadian beekeeping
Honey bees first came to Canada 250 years ago. They were brought by English and French migrants.The bees were transported in straw bags, which were packed in sawdust and ice. The insects themselves had different colors and behavioral characteristics, since they appeared as a result of crossing different breeds.
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Mother breeding was not developed in Canada. Initially, beekeepers did not even use insect overwintering methods. Bee packages with queens were in the public domain and were imported from the southern regions of the United States. The insects developed quickly and gave a good harvest.
The situation changed significantly when acaropiasis entered the country in 1990, and varroatosis in 1995. In addition, many killer bees have appeared near bee nurseries in the United States. Somewhat later, a new parasite appeared, namely the small hive beetle. Therefore, the import of insects from abroad was banned and they began to engage in queen breeding and wintering optimization.
Because Canada has a harsh climate, honey bees were moved to framed hives. Over a long period of time, the technology for industrial keeping of bees in winter has been improved. This made it possible to achieve insect persistence of 95%.
Since the various breeds were in the public domain, Canada has remained an unusual mixture of species. At the same time, Italians predominated in it.
Highlights of their technology
Large apiaries are considered an important feature of Canadian beekeeping. They include 2-6 thousand bee families. No other country has such large farms.The apiary must include a room for pumping out honey. It is equipped with pallets and a forklift.
At the same time, the bulk of the work is automated. The main objectives of honey production include maintaining the health of people and bees. This is where automation helps.
The apiaries are equipped so that there are no thresholds or steps in the honey pumping room. This device allows equipment to freely enter and transport products. In addition, honey can be easily moved from one compartment to the second using wheelbarrows. The hives themselves sit on pallets all year round. Automated lines in large apiaries make it possible to obtain up to 6 tons of honey within 8 hours.
There is always a thermal room in the apiary. In the second half of summer, sealed honeycombs are often stored in a special compartment. Moreover, they are printed in the fall. The thermal room is used before pumping. Sealed honeycombs are placed in it for 3 days at temperatures of +30-40 degrees. This helps simplify the process of pumping out honey. The resulting product is poured into tanks and left to settle. After which it is poured into barrels with a capacity of 200 liters.
Another characteristic feature of the technology used in Canada is the high demand for bees as pollinators among farmers. Many people who are engaged in agriculture enter into contracts with beekeepers during the flowering of honey crops. They provide for the supply of bee colonies. The cost of 1 bee colony is $100. This helps beekeepers get quick income.
Types of Canadian hives
In Canada, Langstroth-Root hives predominate, which include 5 buildings. A taphole measuring 2-2.5 centimeters is placed only from below.A dividing grid must be installed in the hive, which prevents the queen from moving out of the body. For wintering, only 1 building is used.
Basic beekeeping methods
In Canada, the Mishak technique is often used. It is also called pavilion. According to this technology, the apiary is a mobile pavilion that is attached to a car trailer.
Famous apiaries in Canada
The farm of Tadeusz Pal is considered the most famous apiary in Canada. There he works with members of his family and several Polish employees. The Pala farm is located on 120 small plots, which are located within a radius of 110 kilometers.
There are approximately 35 families at each point. In this case, the hives are placed on pallets of 4 pieces in 2 rows. The entrances are turned in different directions. The apiary has an electronic shepherd that receives power from the sun. It is required to protect bees from bears.
Canadian beekeeping has many interesting features. Unique breeds of bees are grown in this country. Moreover, this type of activity is predominantly automated.
