By Nigel Maxwell

Saskatchewan’s honey industry feels sting of late winter

May 17, 2018 | 8:00 AM

This past winter was really tough on bees in the province, according to the  President of the Saskatchewan Beekeeper’s Development Commission.

Simon Lalonde told farmnewsNOW beekeepers in all four corners of the province have reported higher than expected losses.

“Right now beekeepers are going through the hives and trying to find out exactly why but it looks like the cold had an awful lot to do with it,” Lalonde said.

Saskatchewan beekeepers are not alone with their woes. A survey of almost 900 Ontario beekeepers found 70 per cent of them suffered unsustainable losses to their colonies. Beekeepers in Alberta and Quebec have also experienced noticeable losses because of poor weather. Lalonde said the average mortality rates in Saskatchewan for the past couple years have been in the 15 to 18 per cent range.

“This year we are looking at 35 per cent for sure maybe up up to 40 per cent across the board which is pretty much unheard of,” he said.

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Last February, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced changes to the provincial Crop Insurance program, involving beekeepers. The province now provides coverage for over-winter losses, and deductibles are based on a long-term industry averages. Lalonde said the changes will definitely help beekeepers who are a part of the program.

“If they weren’t part of the mortality insurance program then break down what you have and keep on going,” he said.

Lalonde said he thinks most beekeepers will forego a large portion of their honey crop this year, to try and build their numbers back up for next year. Moving forward though he said all hope is not lost for this year’s honey crop.

“Weather-wise we want what the farmers want, not too hot, not too cold and rain at the perfect time,” he said. “Bees can turn things around if they get the right kind of weather conditions.”

— with files from The Canadian Press

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @nigelmaxwell