YORKTON - On Saturday, May 20 the world celebrates some of the smallest and hardest working creatures on the planet – bees.
This year, under the theme ‘bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production,’ World Bee Day calls for global action to support agricultural production that protects bees and other pollinators.
For one Yorkton family, this weekend feels like a good time to celebrate bees.
In 2021, the Hunter family successfully ran an urban beekeeping pilot for the city, inspired by their eight year old son. This spring, they celebrate their first successful overwintering of a hive of honeybees.
“All through the winter we had bees coming out of the hive on warm days, many dying in the snow,” said Allison Henderson Hunter. “We thought there was a problem because there were so many dead bees in front of the hive.
“We learned not to bring frozen half-alive bees into the house, and that these cleansing flights are a normal part of winter behaviour -- dead bees on the snow is a good sign of a strong hive.”
And a strong hive it has been - producing roughly 15 gallons of honey last year.
In the winter of 2021-22, beekeepers across Canada experienced devastating losses due to mites,” noted Henderson Hunter.
“We are really learning the importance of careful pest management, even in a small hobby beekeeping operation,” she said. “Without careful management, we could lose our bees like last winter and possibly impact other nearby hives.”
As a result of the 2021 pilot and the ensuing bylaw change, Yorkton residents can legally keep one hive of honeybees in their backyard.
“It’s a fun way to connect as a family and a great way to boost your flower and veg production,” said Henderson Hunter.
World Bee Day was first established in 2018 to raise awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and of the many challenges they face today.
May 20 was selected to acknowledge one of the pioneers of beekeeping, Anton Janša from Slovenia, who was born on May 20, 1734.
So this Saturday, let’s all do our part to celebrate and help out the small and mighty, incredible bees. Without them, 75 per cent of the world‘s crops producing fruits and seeds, including canola, would not thrive. To find out more about the buzz on World Bee Day, visit www.fao.org/world-bee-day/en
And for more information on beekeeping in Yorkton, visit https://www.yorkton.ca/en/your-city/urban-beekeeping.aspx
