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Hive Population & Protein I Carbohydrate Demand

Hive Population

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Hive Grol'ltn

Honey Flow

Hypothetical growth curves of new hives for our Northern Utah operation.

Note: The critical growth of new hives April through May. When the weather isbelow 70 F. rain, snow, wind, (No Fly Days).

You must provide supplement food for the bees.

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Important First Steps in Starting Beekeeping!

• Read lots of books on beekeeping. "00 your homework!"

• Get stung! It's going to happen a lot.

• Join a local beekeeping group.

• Go local! Visit a beekeeping farm or beekeeper in your area.

• Read, read, and read! Study, study, study!

• Ask lots of questions!

• Nurture the desire, intelligence, and patience required to care foranother living creature.

• Research the initial start-up equipment/bees costs and what the timecommitment will be.

• Assess the amount of work there is in beekeeping. Take the number ofdays you plan on working per month and multiply that number by 7. Thatis the work you will need to do. Take that time and add any special stuffto it such as honey recovery, super work, and nucleus building. There'sthe time and effort - sure you want to be a beekeeper?

• Get a mentor that will show you their hives and let you work with them.

• Get among the bees - this is the test. You will either be filled with joy,wonder, and amazement (you have the heart of a beekeeper), or fear anddread (find another hobby!).

• Maintain perspective. Stay calm and relaxed. Easy does it witheverything.

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"Where should I put mly hive?"

Safety!

It's essential to have your hives where there is no threat to animals who are chained or penned upand can't flee if they are attacked, or where they are likely to be a threat to a passers-by who did notknow there are hives around. If the hive is going to be close to a path that people walk you need to havea fence or something to get the bees up over the people's heads. For the safety of the bees they shouldbe where cattle won't rub on them and knock them over, horses won't knock them over and bears can'tget to them.

Water!

Bees drink their weight in water each day and if a three pound package is 10,000 bees then: A bighive of 80,000 bees would drink 24 pounds of water per day, at 8.33 pounds/gallon or approximatelythree gallons per day per hive. They will gather this water from the closes water source. Neighbor's poolor water feature, leaky swamp cooler, etc. Bee keeping is easier without complaints from neighbors.

Convenient access

It's essential to have the hive where the beekeeper can drive right up to it. Carrying full supers thatcould weigh from 90 pounds (deep) down to 48 pounds (eight frame medium) any distance is too muchwork. The same for bringing beekeeping equipment and feed to the hives. You may have to feed asmuch as 50 pounds or more of syrup to each hive and carrying it any distance is not practical. Also youwill learn a lot more about bees with a hive in your backyard than a hive 20 miles away at a friend'shouse. Also a yard a mile or two from home will get much better care than one 60 miles from home.

Good forage

If you have a lot of options, then go for a place with lots of forage. Sweet clover, alfalfa being grownfor seed, yellow blossom sweet clover, etc. Can make the difference between bumper crops of 200pounds or more of honey per hive and barely scraping a living. But keep in mind the bees will not onlybe foraging the space you own, they will be foraging the 8,000 acres around the hives.

Not in your way

I think it's important the hive does not interfere with anyone's life too much. In other words, don'tput it right next to a well-used path where, in a dearth and in a bad mood, the bees may harass or stingsomeone or anywhere else where you are likely to wish they weren't there.

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Full sun

I find hives in full sun have fewer problems with diseases and pests and make more honey. All thingsbeing equal, I'd go for full sun. The only advantage to putting them in the shade is that you get to workthem in the shade.

Out of the wind

It's nice to have them where the cold winter wind doesn't blow on them so hard and the wind is lesslikely to blow them over or blow off the lids. This isn't my number one requirement, but if a place isavailable that has a windbreak it's nice. This usually precludes putting them at the very top of a hill.

Not in a low-lying area

If there is a choice place them where the dew, fog, cold air, does not settle. You really don't wantthem where you would have to move them if there's a threat of a flood.

If you live in a very hot climate, mid afternoon shade might be a nice to have, but I wouldn't losesleep over it.

In the end, bees are very adaptable. They really don't care, so make sure it's convenient for you, and ifit's not too hard to provide, try to meet some of the other criteria. It's doubtful you'll have a place thatmeets all of the criteria listed above.

Notes:

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12 month Beekeepers Check List is a suggestion only!

JanuaryIf needed Feed Bees to keep them alive during the cold winter months. If you feed them plenty of

syrup in the spring to build the hive then touch up feeding late autumn, this should not be necessary.You can feed frames of honey from a healthy hive, Sugar boards are a very good option. It's still too coldto feed syrup.

You can order spring time Package Bees, Nucs, Single Hives, and queens from IFA Country Store.

The Bees:

The queen is surrounded by thousands of her workers. She is in the midst of their winter cluster.There is little activity during January.

The Beekeeper:

Little work is required from you at the hives. In case of snow, make certain the entrance to the hive iscleared to allow for proper ventilation. Be sure to provide supplemental if needed. This is a great timeto catch up on reading about bees, attend bee club meetings, and build and repair equipment for nextseason. Order package bees (if needed).

Fun Fact:

Honey bees may forage up to 2-5 miles from the hive.

Bees do not hibernate, but cluster for warmth. They remain active all winter.

Time Spent: Estimate less than an hour.

s l P a g e

FebruaryCheck bee hives by lifting the back of the hive to see how much honey stores are left. It's too cold to

feed syrup at this time of year. You can feed frames of honey from a healthy hive, Sugar boards from IFAcountry store are a very good option.

Have your beekeeping goals forthe year up to date!

1. How many hives, nuc's, splits, package's will you need for spring.2. Replacement Queen's should already be ordered from your IFA.3. Repair or replace equipment.4. If you are expanding your hive count will you need more equipment?5. Cost / Budget

Assemble equipment so you are ready in advance. It's no fun to put bees in a hive that has wet paint.

Order spring time package bees, nuc's, and queens at IFA Country Store now.

The Bees:

The queen, still cozy in the cluster, will begin to lay a few more eggs each day. It is still "females only"in the hive.

The Beekeeper:

There is not too much to do this month. Attend bee club meetings, and get your equipment readyfor spring. Read! Read! Read! (American Bee Journal, Hive & the Honey Bee).

Fun Facts:

A honey bee can fly approximately 15 miles per hour.

Check List:

Make sure all equipment is ready and painted for spring packages bees.

DDDD

Check hives for food stores.

Attend local bee club meeting.

Network with a local beekeeper learn what they are doing that works.

Time Spent: Estimate less than 1 hour per hive.

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MarchMake sure all equipment is ready and painted ready for bees.

You can order spring time package bees, nuc's and queens at IFA now!

The Bees.

This is the month when colonies can die of starvation. However, if you fed them plenty of syrup inthe late autumn, this should not happen .. You can feed frames of honey from a healthy hive, Sugarboards are a very good option. It's still too cold to feed syrup.

With the days growing longer, the queen steadily increases her rate of egg laying. More brood meansmore food consumed. The bees will continue to consume honey and pollen stores.

The Beekeeper:

Early in the month, on a nice mild day, and when there is no wind and bees are flying, you can have aquick peek inside your hive. It's best not to remove the frames. Just have a look-see under the cover. Ifyou do not see any sealed honey in the top frames, you may need to provide some emergency food(fondant or granulated sugar if cold temps prevail). But remember, once you start feeding you shouldnot stop until they are bringing in their own food supplies and they are ready for honey supers.

Fun Facts:

A beekeepers main tools are protective clothing, veil, smoker, gloves, and hive tool.

Check List:

Check hives for food stores. DMake sure all equipment is ready and painted ready for bees. DAttend local bee club meeting. DApply first treatment of Salvation Salve. From your locallFA. DOrder your Nuc's, Packages, Hives, and Queens. From your locallFA. D

Time Spent: Estimate 2 hours this month.

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AprilYou can order package bees, nucs, Single Hives, Queens at IFA now! You're almost too late!!!

Spring splits and installation of nucs and queens starts as the weather permits.

You can install early ordered package bees this month.

Testing and treatment of Varroa Mites. Read labels carefully don't contaminate your honey crop.

Getting good Nutrition will be a challenge. If there is no food available "Rain, Wind, Cold," check forcarbs and protein. Feed as early as you can if you think there might be a tiny shortage. Way south shouldhave nectar and pollen coming in, but check to make sure. North, nothing yet, but brood, thus demandis increasing daily. A protein patty (or frame of pollen) now is the cheapest insurance you can buy. Forcarbs try a sugar board, (or frames of honey). Easyto feed, easy to eat. Feeding syrup or sugar boards,will get stimulants into bees/getting the bees to eat.

Keep your veil tight, your smoker lit, and your hive tool handv, It's just good Beekeeping!

The Bees.

The weather begins to improve, and the early blossoms begin to appear. The bees begin to bringpollen into the hive. The queen is busily laying eggs. And the population is growing fast. The drones willbegin to appear.

Feeding becomes very important, A hive will consume 1 gallon of syrup & 1-2 POUNDS POLLENSUPPLIMENT EVERY 10 DAYS.

Fun Fact:

Approximately 8-12 pounds of honey is consumed by bees to produce 1 pound of bees wax. Thinkabout this when you are installing bees on new foundation, how much work there is to draw out newcomb.

A bee hive will consume 100 lb. of pollen per year! & 100-200 pounds of honey!

Check List:

Feed one gallon High Fructose Corn Syrup "HFCS" Ever 10 days. DDD

Feed 1-2 POUNDS POLLEN SUPPLIMENT EVERY 10 DAYS.

Attend local bee club meeting.

Time Spent: Estimate 3 hours.

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MayBees are growing rapidly getting ready for the nectar flow.

Be prepared to add additional hive bodies if necessary when 80% frames are capped.

The Bees.

Now the activity really starts hopping. The nectar and pollen should begin to come into the hive thickand fast the queen will be reaching her greatest rate of egg laying. The hive should be bursting withactivity.

The Beekeeper.

If you use a queen excluder now would be the time to do that, and place honey supers on top of thetop deep. Watch out for swarming. Inspect the hive weekly. Attend bee club meetings and workshops.

Feeding is very important, A hive will consume 1 gallon of Fat Bee liquid feed & 1-2 POUNDS POLLENSUPPLIMENT EVERY 10 DAYS.

Keep your veil tight, your smoker lit, and your hive tool handy. It's just good Beekeeping!

Check List:

Testing and treatment of Varroa Mites. Read labels carefully don't contaminateyour honey crop. DFeed one gallon Fat Bee Liquid Feed Ever 10 days. DFeed 1-2 POUNDS FAT BEE POLLEN SUPPLIMENT EVERY 10 DAYS. DCheck Queen for brood pattern. DCheck bee hive for health. DAttend local bee club meeting. DApply second treatment of Salvation Salve D

Time Spent. Estimate 4-5 hours.

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JuneKeep checking if need to add hive body when 80% capped.

Collect honey in clean comb! Comb that has not been in the brood chamber, or contaminated in anyother way Mice, Wax Moth, etc.

New hives should be in double deeps, Getting really close to 80 pounds per hive.

The Bees:

Colonies that have not swarmed will be boiling with bees.

The queen's rate of egg laying may drop a bit this month.

The main honey flow should start this month!

The Beekeeper:

Keep weeds down around your hives.

Harvest that first crop as soon as it's capped so you have an early varietal, or at least a springtimeartisan honey to sell. Early honeys are light and mild, later honeys are darker and generally stronger.Give each a name when you label them so the customers can find the same one again.

Check for mites so they don't get ahead of you.

Inspect the hive every 10 days to make certain the hive is healthy and the queen is present.

Once the hive is 80 pounds and all frames are 90% filled Stop feeding. Add honey supers as needed.

Keep up swarm inspections.

Check list:

Feed one gallon Fat Bee Liquid Feed Ever 10 da~

Feed 1-2 POUNDS Fat Bee POLLEN SUPPLIMENT EVERY10 DAYS.

Check Queen for brood pattern.

Check bee hive for health.

Add honey suppers.

Attend local bee club meeting.

Time Spent. Estimate 4-5 hours.

10 I P age

DDDDDD

JulyJuly 4th appears to be an end-time in which honey bees slow greatly in making wax and completing

the spring nectar flow so get prepared for honey extracting. Remember, the comb cells should be 90%capped and the remaining uncapped honey should not be able to run out of the cells for it to becompletely ripe for extraction.

The Bees:

IF the weather is good, the nectar flow is the peak this month.

On hot days a bee hive can use 1.5 gallons of water to cool a hive, plan ahead for this making surethat the closest water supply is not the swimming pool next door.

The Beekeeper:

Continue inspections to assure the health of your colony.

Add more honey supers if needed. Keep your fingers crossed in anticipation of a great honeyharvest! !

Fun Facts:

Honeybees are a great scientific mystery because they have remained unchanged for 20 million yearseven though the world has changed around them.

Honey bees are responsible for approx. 80% of all fruit, vegetable and seed crops in the U.S.

Check list:

Fresh water supply

DDDD

Extract ripe honey.

Attend local bee club meeting.

Add honey suppers

Estimate 2-3 hours.

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AugustExtract ripened honey.

Keep checking on the summer dearth, where a transition from summer to fall flowers happens, thereis little to no nectar available.

The Bees:

The colony's growth is diminishing. Drones are still around, but outside activity begins to slow downas the nectar flows decrease.

The Beekeeper:

Watch for skunks they can quickly destroy hives. Depleting the hive of over wintering bees.

No more chance of swarming. Watch for honey robbing by wasps and other bees. There is not toomuch for you to do this month. Have a little holiday.

After you pull your honey suppers off for the year. Test and decide what type of mite treatment isbest for you. Read labels carefully don't damage your bees or contaminate your honey crop. Use onlyU.S.D.A. approved treatments.

Fun Facts:

It would take 10z of honey to fuel a honeybee's flight around the world.

Your colony of honeybees will have a population of 60,000 workers and one queen at this time ofyear.

Check List:

Testing and treatment options of Varroa Mites

Fresh water supply.

Check hive weight, getting ready for winter

Remove the queen excluder until next season

Apply third treatment of Salvation Salve

Time Spent: Estimate 1-2 hours.

12 I P age

DDDDD

SeptemberConsider reducing hive bodies down to 2 deep boxes unless you are participating in fall nectar flow,

then you will wait.

Testing and treatment of Varroa Mites.

Remember - Take care of the bees that take care of the bees that go into the winter.

Feed and medicate towards the end of the month. Apply Varroa & Tracheal mite treatment whendaytime temps are consistently below 85 degrees.

The Bees:

The drones may begin to disappear this month. The hive population is dropping. The queen's egglaying is dramatically reduced.

The Beekeeper:

Harvest your honey crop. Remember to leave the colony with at least 80 pounds of honey forwinter. Never take honey/food from the bottom 2 boxes. This is there food. This is where they storedthere syrup, medication, mite treatments etc.

Check all hives for food stores both protein and carbohydrate.

Fun Facts:

A honeybee has to travel over 55,000 miles and visits approx ... 2 million flowers to make 1pound of honey.

Check List:

Check for the queen's presence.

Attend bee club meetings.

Testing and treatment of Varroa Mites.

Fall Feeding / Fat Bee protein patty and syrup

Apply fourth treatment of Salvation Salve

DDDDD

Time Spent: Estimate 2-3 hours

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13IPage

OctoberReduce Hives bodies down to 2 boxes if necessary; the key is to not let your hives get too Iowan

honey that powers them through the winter.

Mouse guards are installed.

Wind breaks are a great idea, Think about high water or flooding in the spring.

Pay bee yard rent.

Inventory equipment, repair or replace what's not working.

The Bees:

Hives will start to down size for the winter, Drones will leave or be forced out of the hive to reducethe drain on the over winter food stores.

Brood rearing is slowing down very rapidly. Bees will be clustering in the hive in the cool mornings.

A good hive of bees will consume 80 pounds of syrup / honey to survive the winter.

A good hive will also need 500-600 square inches of stored pollen reserves to winter well.

The Beekeeper:

Watch out for robbing. Configure the hive for winter, with attention to ventilation and moisturecontrol. Install mouse guard at entrance of hive. Setup a wind break if necessary. Consider medicatingthe hive if necessary.

Complete feeding of syrup by the 15 of October. The bees will need some time to render out themoisture in the syrup to make it stable to use through the winter.

Fun Facts:

Bees generate heat in the winter cluster equivalent to a continuously used 20-watt light bulb tomaintain the brood nest temperatures.

Check List:

Check for the queen's presence. DDDD

Attend bee club meetings.

Testing and treatment of Varroa Mites.

Fall Feeding / protein patty and syrup. "Completion before Oct. 15"

Time Spent: Estimate 2 hours

14 I P age

NovemberYou can order spring time package bees, nucs, and queens from IFA Country store.

The Bees:

Even less activity this month. The cold weather will send them into a cluster.

The Beekeeper:

Store your equipment away for the winter.

Attend bee club meetings.

Mouse guards in place.

Check list:

Apply 5th treatment of Salvation Salve D

Time Spent: About 1 hour this month.

DecemberConsider using an entrance reducer to keep the mice out.

You can order spring time package bees, nucs and queens at your IFA Country Store

The Bees:

The bees are in a tight cluster. No peeking.

The Beekeeper:

There's nothing you can do with the bees. Read a good book on beekeeping, Native plants, Nutrition,Entomology, and enjoy the holidays!!

Time Spent: 1 hour

15 I P age