Don Muir

A Heartfelt Thank You to Don: Reflecting on Years of Dedication to BQUAL

As we delve into the fascinating journey and insights of a long-standing figure within the BQUAL community, it's paramount to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to Don for his unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions…
Sustainable Beekeeping Practices: A Guide for Ethical Apiculture

Sustainable Beekeeping Practices: A Guide for Ethical Apiculture

Why Sustainable Beekeeping Matters More Than Ever As the importance of bees becomes more widely understood, the way we manage them is evolving. Sustainable beekeeping is about more than just harvesting honey—it's about protecting pollinators,…

NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2025

Varroa mite spread The varroa mite, a parasitic mite that attacks honey bees, has spread across Australia, prompting concerns for honey production and pollination services. Eradication Abandoned: Australia has abandoned its…

The Declining Bee Population in Australia

A Call to Action for Beekeepers Beekeepers across Australia are facing increasing challenges as the country’s bee population declines. These vital pollinators play an essential role in agriculture, ecosystems, and honey production,…

Honey: More Than Just a Sweetener – Exploring the Health Benefits

The golden nectar For centuries, honey has been treasured not just for its delightful sweetness but also for its incredible health benefits. Used in traditional medicine across cultures, honey is far more than a natural sugar alternative—it’s…

Newsletter – March 2025

National survey launched to tackle Varroa mite threat to honey bees Australia’s beekeepers are being urged to complete the Australian Colony Loss Survey as part of a national effort to understand the impact of the Varroa mite (Varroa)…
Autumn Feeding Strategies

Autumn Feeding Strategies: Choosing the Right Supplements

Planning for the colder months ahead Bees begin preparing for the colder months ahead as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop. A strong, well-fed colony is more likely to survive winter and emerge healthy in spring. But nectar…
hive inspection

Mastering the Art of Hive Inspections: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your colony healthy Regular hive inspections are the key to maintaining a strong, healthy bee colony. By checking for signs of disease, monitoring the queen’s productivity, and assessing food stores, you can address potential…

How to Keep Your Hives Healthy in Australia’s Changing Climate

Things are changing... Australia’s climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with extreme heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and unseasonal rainfall affecting ecosystems across the country. For beekeepers, these changes pose significant…

b-qual news February 2025

Recreational Beekeeping Conference Better Beekeeping Basics to Biosecurity Where: Hume Global Learning Centre44 Macedon St, Sunbury VIC 3429, Australia When Saturday 29th March 2025 Program and speakers SubjectSpeakerHoneybee…

B-QUAL NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2025

Fire, Flooding and Invasive Pests – Beekeeping Resilience in ‘The Lucky Country A story of resilience and Determination 1400 beehives were destroyed by fire, then within a year another 700 to flooding, soon after that small hive beetle…

B-QUAL NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2024

December News As 2024 draws to a close, we’re buzzing with gratitude for an incredible year of growth, learning, and collaboration. This year, we’ve witnessed the power of community in action—whether it was sharing information about…