Canadian beekeeping: history and industrial technology, famous apiaries

Canadian beekeeping has many benefits. This branch of agriculture surpasses other countries in many respects. Over the past 10 years, beekeeping in Canada has grown rapidly. At the same time, there is an increase in the production and export of honey, as well as a strengthening of the commercial sector. In addition, there is an increase in the number of bee colonies against the background of a decrease in the number of beekeepers.

History of Canadian beekeeping

Honey bees first came to Canada 250 years ago. They were brought in by English and French migrants.The bees were transported in straw sapettes, which were packed in sawdust and ice. The insects themselves had different colors and behaviors, as they appeared as a result of crossing different breeds.

Queen breeding was not developed in Canada. Initially, beekeepers did not even use insect wintering methods. Bee packages with queens were in the public domain and were imported from the southern regions of the United States. Insects developed rapidly and gave good bribes.

The situation changed significantly when in 1990 acaropiasis entered the country, and in 1995 - varroatosis. In addition, many killer bees have appeared near US bee nurseries. Somewhat later, a new parasite arose, namely, the small beehive beetle. Therefore, the import of insects from abroad was banned and they began to engage in queen breeding and optimization of wintering.

Because Canada has a harsh climate, honey bees have been moved to hives with frames. For a long period of time, there was an improvement in the technology of industrial keeping of bees in winter. This made it possible to achieve the persistence of insects at the level of 95%.

From the time when different breeds were in the public domain, an unusual mixture of species remained in Canada. At the same time, it was dominated by Italian.

Another direction of breeding was the search for breeds that were resistant to varroatosis. Today, Russian bees are considered the most resistant to the disease. However, they also need to be treated from pests every 2-3 years.

Highlights of their technology

Large apiaries are considered an important feature of Canadian beekeeping. They include 2-6 thousand bee colonies. No other country has such large farms. The apiary necessarily includes a room for pumping honey. It is equipped with pallets and a forklift.

At the same time, the bulk of the work is automated. The main tasks of honey production include the preservation of the he alth of people and bees. This is where automation helps.

Apiaries are equipped so that there are no thresholds or steps in the honey pumping room. Such a device makes it possible to freely call in equipment and transport products. In addition, honey can be freely moved from one compartment to the second by means of wheelbarrows. The hives themselves stand on pallets for a whole year. Automated lines at large apiaries make it possible to obtain up to 6 tons of honey within 8 hours.

There is certainly a thermal room in the apiary. In the second half of summer, sealed combs are often stored in a special compartment. At the same time, they are printed in the fall. The thermal room is used before pumping. Sealed honeycombs are placed in it for 3 days at a temperature of + 30-40 degrees. This helps to simplify the procedure for pumping honey. The resulting product is poured into tanks and removed to settle. After that, 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 at the level of 100 dollars. This helps the beekeepers get a quick income.

Types of Canadian hives

Canada is dominated by Langstroth-Root hives, which include 5 buildings. A letok 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. Only 1 building is used for wintering.

Basic beekeeping methods

In Canada, the Mishak method is often used. It is also called the pavilion. According to this technology, the apiary is a mobile pavilion that is attached to a car trailer.

Famous Canadian apiaries

The most famous apiary in Canada is the farm of Tadeusz Pala. There he works with his family members and several Polish workers. Pala Farm is spread across 120 small plots spread over a 110 kilometer radius.

There are approximately 35 families at each point. In this case, the hives are placed on pallets of 4 pieces in 2 rows. Letki deployed in different directions. The apiary has an electronic shepherd that is powered by 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. At the same time, this type of activity is predominantly automated.

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