As if Varroa was not bad enough, now we have miticide resistant mites!

We knew that in time, the synthetics could be less effective, but not as soon as this. Losing such a valuable tool from our toolbox is of great concern, leaving us with the organic treatments with which to fight the mite! Remember, in many parts of Australia, honey supers are on the hives all year round, so IPM is more important than ever – we are in a fight for survival, let no-one be under any illusions.

Research departments of our universities may hopefully come to the rescue, but if they are starting from scratch, then they need time to develop possible treatments or other ways to modify varroa reproduction. It is a tall order, but this is resourceful country – it is my hope that research and development will lead us to new varroa management protocols.

So, why would anyone come into beekeeping at this time? Perhaps under such trying conditions is the right time to start keeping bees. We have many elderly, highly knowledgeable beekeepers to lead the new generation of apiarists, and what better encouragement than to send a team to the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers. Teams of young apiarists, from all over the world come together and learn from each other.

Yes, it is competitive and knowledge is tested, but at the heart of the meeting is good beekeeping practice and the camaraderie of making new friends. New ideas and practices are exchanged, equipment showing new designs/concepts and the joy of meeting other young beekeeping enthusiasts, is worth its weight in gold. An experience to cherish for the rest of their lives. If clubs are able to encourage young beekeepers to join, the older generation wants to pass on the knowledge and experience gained over decades of keeping honey bees. Young beekeepers are our future.

Congratulations to all of our members who entered The Honey Show at the Royal Easter Show, in Sydney. Learning how to show honey, wax, candles, mead and baked goods, is skilful art and it needs practice. This list of classes is endless and it takes practice to enter the correct class, never mind produce a prize-winning product. If any members have photos they would like to share, especially of the prize winners, we would like to acknowledge their success in the magazine.