We need Apiary Sites
Southerns Beekeepers Association members are forever on the lookout for suitable apiary sites to put their hives. If you own a smallholding or a farm and would like to encourage a bee friendly environment contact us so we can put you in touch with those of our members who require apiary sites. Although there is no monetary reward, all reputable beekeepers keep their site hosts in regular supply of their own home made honey. You too could learn about the interesting hobby or livelihood of beekeeping. Make your smallholding give you a return on your investment.
The key factors that beekeepers look for in siting apiaries are food source, accessibility, security and convenience.
Apiary Sites need
Food Source: there must be suitable forage for bees. A gum plantation is ideal. Also bees need a lot of water.
Accessibility: the beekeeper must be able to get up close to the hives with his vehicle. Carrying full supers of capped honey is back breaking work.
Security: one of the biggest threats to the bee industry is the constant cost of vandalism and theft. Bees are also often kept in isolated areas which can make for dangerous situations for the beekeeper himself.
Convenience: Hives should not be placed too close to human dwellings or where humans or livestock walk or where the bees can be irritated by unnecessary movement.
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