Image by Zoran Milosavljevic via Pexels Insulation Needs in Cold Climates Horizontal vs. Vertical Hives Horizontal Hives Vertical Hives Key Differences Feature Horizontal Hives Vertical Hives Wall Thickness Must be thick, often double-walled or well-padded Standard thickness often sufficient, add wraps for extreme cold Top Insulation Essential due to heat loss from broad roof Important, but […]
Starting a local beekeeping club can be one of the most rewarding ways to build community, share knowledge, and support new and experienced beekeepers in your area. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide based on successful club models and best practices. Getting Started: Initial Planning 1. Define Your Club’s Purpose Before anything else, establish clear goals
Use this handy guide to plan the start-up cost for your 1st year of beekeeping. The more work you’re willing to do, the more money you can save getting started. Cost Category Low‐budget Option (USD) Midrange (USD) Notes on Saving Money Hive hardware (1 Langstroth kit, unassembled) 200 300 Buy unassembled, paint yourself; look for
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Beekeeping offers several sustainable economic benefits for small-scale farmers, extending beyond direct profits from honey sales. These advantages contribute to farm income diversification, agricultural productivity, and community resilience. Key Economic Advantages 1. Multiple Income Streams 2. Improved Crop Yields and Quality 3. Reduced Risks and Increased Resilience 4. Employment and Community Economic Development 5. Profitability
Long-Term Economic Advantages of Beekeeping for Small-Scale Farmers Read More »
To adjust your current pollen patty using Randy Oliver’s V2025b amino acid calculator guidance: Step-by-Step Process Practical Application Example In Summary By following these steps, you ensure your pollen patty aligns with the latest amino acid balance benchmarks, supporting stronger brood rearing and colony health.[3][1][2] ⁂
To interpret Randy Oliver’s amino acid ratios in his calculator: How to Read the Ratios Summary Table Column Color What It Represents Interpretation Gray de Groot recommendation Traditional target ratio Red Oliver’s revised target Updated, research-driven ratio Green Your diet Actual EAA content in your recipe Key Takeaways: This method helps maximize bee health, colony
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The latest version of Randy Oliver’s Amino Acid Calculator was updated on May 6, 2025 (“V2025b”). Key updates and features include: In Summary Randy updates the calculator’s recommendations and formulas regularly to reflect new research findings and field trials, so it’s crucial to always download the latest version for accuracy and best results.[2][3][1] ⁂
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Comparing pollen substitutes based on amino acid profiles is essential for determining their effectiveness in meeting honey bee nutritional needs. Here’s how you can make meaningful comparisons: 1. Total Free Amino Acid Content Higher total amino acids indicate greater potential for bees to build proteins, but total isn’t enough—balance matters most. In one comparative study,
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Key Steps for Placement 1. Prepare Your Equipment 2. For Hive Splits 3. For Requeening 4. Key Positioning Details Table: Positioning Overview Step Action Details 1 Place board on lower hive box Screens align with hive body tops/bottoms 2 Add upper box (split or queenless setup) Directly on top of the screen board 3 Open
Proper Positioning of a Double Screen Board for Hive Splits and Requeening Read More »
Overview Choosing between Langstroth (vertical, modular) and top-bar (horizontal, frameless) hives depends on climate, beekeeper goals, and practical management. Here’s a structured analysis of their pros and cons across climatic regions. Pros & Cons Table Feature Langstroth Hive Top-Bar Hive Setup Cost Moderate; easy to source equipment; industry standard[1][2] Low; can be homebuilt; minimal parts[3][4][5]
Comparing Langstroth vs Top-Bar Hives in Various Climates Read More »
