Federated Farmers: The importance of bee-ing aware

Placing hives for good pollination is like selling a house -- it is all about location, location, location.

The importance of bees' pollination work often goes unrecognised, but without it two-thirds of the food we take for granted would almost vanish making life as we know it impossible.

For our nation's beekeepers, spring marks the period for preparing bees to go about their work, pollinating our arable and horticultural crops.

The importance of bees' pollination work often goes unrecognised, but without it two-thirds of the food we take for granted would almost vanish making life as we know it impossible.

But as with all life, nature throws us curveballs.

The humble bee has had its challenges in recent years, the introduction of Varroa destructor all but killed off our wild bee population and our managed bee population is holding its own.

There are important steps we can take to avoid exposing bees to unnecessary risk as farmers look to kick-start their spray programmes.

1. Bee aware with sprays:

Consider the plant growth stage. If the crop or plants in the headland are flowering, then bees will be working the crop.

This means delaying spraying until dusk or before dawn. This is generally better than the day itself with less wind and consequent spray drift.

The chemical may have a label claim for being "bee friendly", but when added with other chemicals or surfactants, can become ore dangerous to bees. Consider also any residues which may remain on sprayed plants for a number of hours. If using a spraying contractor, ensure they are briefed on all your requirements, as flaunting the guidelines is a prosecutable offence.

2. Bee aware with irrigation:

We all know the importance of irrigation water, but the same water which acts as a savour for our pastures and crops, is a major threat to bee life.

Bees cannot survive in a cold-wet environment and will rapidly chill and die before returning to the hive. Where possible, irrigate during the evening when bees are not flying, thus reducing the risk of bee death. If hives are on your crops, ensure the irrigator cannot drift across and literally take out the hives.

3. Bee aware with hive location:

Placing hives for good pollination is like selling a house -- it is all about location, location, location. Ensure hives are out of the path of any irrigator.

Different crops have different requirements and these need to be taken into consideration.

The most important things in agriculture are "bees, bees and bees". We have to look after them.