Beekeeping is more complicated today than in times past. There are a host of difficulties that have beset bees of late, and we're hoping lend a hand in some problem solving.  Enter Stephanie, a researcher with funding from the USDA. We'll be working with her beginning next month in her fieldwork studying Colony Collapse Disorder, as well as what can be done botanically to help control varroa mites in the subtropics.

One of the controls we're hoping to test is NEEM oil. Not cheap, and not without it's own risks to the bees, but it's one of the less toxic remedies we think might work. Our climate is hot and humid, and this has a bearing on the outcome of how certain agents work on the mites and affect the bees.

So we'll be bringing in new hives just for this purpose.  Another interesting control for mites is confectioner's sugar. This is great for the small backyard beekeeper, but not so practical on a commercial scale.

We'll keep you posted as to our progress, and meantime, the spring honeyflow is ON....

We're scheduled to harvest some Tropical Wildflower next week. We'll keep you posted!