Despite the harsh climatic conditions of the Sverdlovsk region, beekeeping in this region has all the prerequisites for further development. The region is considered the northern border, within which one can engage in beekeeping and earn a good income. In order to implement our plans and preserve the health of insects, it is necessary to take into account the climatic characteristics of the region, its topography and other factors that influence bees.
Climate of the region
The Sverdlovsk region is located in the Ural region, in a zone of temperate continental climate.Its length from north to south (about 600 km) is the reason for the diversity of climate in the area. Summers are warm in the flatlands and cool in the mountains. Annual precipitation varies from 655 mm in the western part to 467 mm in the southern part.
Winter in the region is cold and long, which forces beekeepers to carefully prepare insects for frost. Snow cover lasts from early November until early April.
There is not much time left for bees to collect honey - the first time insects leave the hives is in mid-April. The entire honey harvest lasts about 3 weeks, but weather changes can significantly shorten this period.
The Sverdlovsk region has a good honey supply, but its disadvantage is that it is distributed very unevenly. The main vegetation of the region is coniferous and mixed forests and a small part of forest-steppe.
Where do linden trees grow in Sverdlovsk?
There are very few pure linden forests in the Sverdlovsk region. Such trees are found in broad-leaved and broad-leaved-coniferous forests. Small-leaved linden grows along rivers in the Urals and in areas such as Artinsky, Shalinsky and Nizhneserginsky.
In the climatic conditions of the Sverdlovsk region, linden blooms on July 5, flowering lasts no more than 2 weeks. Experienced beekeepers calculate the flowering time of the honey plant, starting from a plant such as coltsfoot. Since then, the first flowers appear on the grass; 80 days pass before the linden begins to bloom.
Since there are few small-leaved linden in the region, it is recommended to plant these trees yourself near the apiary so that the bees have a place to collect nectar.
Apiaries and farms in the Sverdlovsk region
There are no large beekeeping farms in the Sverdlovsk region; small farms are engaged in honey production.According to statistics, there are about 45 thousand bee colonies in the region, which are annually replenished with young breeding material. In the southwest of the region there is a good honey base for the development of the industry, so the majority of beekeeping farms are located here.
Partially, local residents continue to engage in beekeeping, but industrial enterprises located near forests become an obstacle to this. Bees react very sensitively to pollution, so in large industrial areas their mass death is observed.
Among private farms and entrepreneurs in the Sverdlovsk region, it is worth noting the following:
- PC "Magic Bee";
- PC Stepanov A.;
- PC Detkina T.;
- LLC "Paseka"
Suitable bees
At the beginning of the 20th century, Caucasian and Carpathian breeds of bees began to be imported into the territory of the Sverdlovsk region. The Central Russian variety remained only in the Urals zone. In recent years, a breed called Karnika has become popular in the region.
Description of bee breeds suitable for the Sverdlovsk region:
- Carpathian. A working bee of the Carpathian breed can be easily recognized by its appearance - it has a gray body color and a silvery edge on its belly. The queen differs from the working individuals not only in size, but also in color - it can be either almost black or deep cherry. Carpathian bees work even in bad weather conditions, and they are not afraid of drizzling rain. This breed tolerates wintering well, using food sparingly, so in the spring there is little death in the hives. In the spring, the growth of the bee colony occurs very quickly, and they make their first flight several days earlier than other varieties.Another advantage of the karpatka is the maximum use of forbs for collecting nectar. The large length of the proboscis of working individuals allows insects to reach the deepest nectaries. During the season, one bee colony can produce up to 20 frames with honeycombs. Insects are peaceful in nature, and many beekeepers note that you can work with them without even using protective equipment.
- Karnika. Bees of this breed are quite large - the weight of the fetal uterus reaches 205 grams. The color of the carnival bee is silver-gray, without yellowness. The insect has a pointed abdomen and a proboscis 6.5 mm long. The character of bees of this breed is peaceful and calm; they allow the beekeeper to clean the hive without any problems. When transporting insects over long distances, there are also no problems, since they behave quietly. Karnikas are excellent pollinators; they collect nectar even on sparse honey plantations. The only drawback of the breed is that the queen lays an average number of eggs (no more than 2000); according to this indicator, the carnika loses to other varieties.
Currently, attempts are being made to reproduce bees of the Central Russian breed, as the most suitable for the climatic conditions of the Sverdlovsk region.
What kind of honey is produced
In the northern part of the region, the main varieties of honey are linden and fireweed. Raspberry and flower meadow varieties are also harvested here.
Brief characteristics of honey:
- Lime. It has a light yellow or golden color and is especially popular among consumers. The product is characterized by a sweet taste, strong floral aroma and notes of bitterness. If you keep linden honey at room temperature, then after a month it will crystallize into a fine-grained or coarse-grained mass.It contains a high glucose content - up to 55%. Linden honey is used to treat colds and inflammation of the digestive system.
- Fireweed. Honey from fireweed has a greenish or yellow tint. The product quickly crystallizes, after which it acquires a milky white color and thick consistency. Honey tastes very sweet and delicate and has a rich floral aroma. The product contains antioxidant and tannin substances, a complex of vitamins and bioflavonoids, as well as micro and macroelements. This product is recommended for use by women who are breastfeeding.
Wintering
Since the region has a harsh and frosty climate with long winters, wintering of insects is organized in a special winter hut. The main task facing beekeepers is to prevent moisture from entering the hives. If the wintering was long and unfavorable, very early flight in greenhouses is recommended.
Prospects for beekeeping
The harsh climate of the region does not allow the creation of large apiaries, however, small farms engaged in beekeeping operate successfully here. Among the problems facing local beekeepers, it is worth noting the underdeveloped market for selling products and the lack of branded stores with honey and other products.
