Valley Beekeeping Supplies

Ontario Bee Protection Network

The Ontario Animal Health Network has established a specialized bee expert team to monitor and improve the well-being of managed honey bees and other local pollinators. Composed of researchers, government officials, and industry leaders, this collaborative group meets regularly to analyze disease trends, research gaps, and emerging health threats within the province. To support the agricultural community, the network provides…
Breck Demers
March 1, 2026
Valley Beekeeping Supplies

Ontario Retail Honey Landscape Mapping

The Ontario Beekeepers’ Association and Foodland Ontario are collaborating on a retail survey to evaluate the presence of honey in grocery stores this summer. By examining pricing, branding, and shelf placement, researchers hope to gain a detailed understanding of the current market landscape. This initiative aims to discover new marketing opportunities for local producers and educate the public on the…
Breck Demers
March 1, 2026
Valley Beekeeping Supplies

Fall Varroa Mite Management Guide

Beekeepers must carefully weigh the benefits of a late-season nectar flow against the urgent need for parasite control. While autumn flowers provide a chance for extra honey, the author emphasizes that Varroa mite populations peak just as bee numbers begin to decline. To ensure hive survival, keepers should use an alcohol wash to check if infestation levels are above the…
Breck Demers
February 28, 2026
Valley Beekeeping Supplies

More Money By Making Less Product The Beekeeping Secret

What if making less of your main product actually meant more profit? It sounds backward, but researchers found this to be true for beekeepers. In Southern Alberta, massive numbers of bees are trucked in to pollinate canola fields. Traditionally, beekeepers earn from pollination services and selling honey. However, a surprising opportunity exists: all the extra pollen produced by canola plants,…
Breck Demers
February 28, 2026
Valley Beekeeping Supplies

SHB Biosecurity Guide

This guide outlines essential strategies for Ontario beekeepers to combat the Small Hive Beetle (SHB) through proactive colony management and strict biosecurity protocols. The text emphasizes that regular monitoring for adult beetles and larvae is crucial for early detection and preventing widespread infestation. To mitigate risks, beekeepers are encouraged to maintain strong, populous colonies and promptly address weak or queenless…
Breck Demers
February 28, 2026
Valley Beekeeping Supplies

Ontario’s Pollinator Protection Recommendations

This text details the cooperative efforts between the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association (OBA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to implement a provincial health strategy for pollinators. The document outlines essential legislative updates and the promotion of best management practices to ensure the stability of the beekeeping industry. Key recommendations focus on improving pesticide monitoring and tracking…
Breck Demers
February 27, 2026