Newsletter – October 2025

latest articles Mite Maths - The calm before the storm Here in Victoria, the calm before the varroa storm won’t last much longer. The spread is real, and for many of us, it’s not a matter of if our hives will…

Organic Beekeeping in Australia: Is It Possible?

For many Australian beekeepers, the word “organic” carries a certain weight. It signals purity, high standards, and alignment with consumer expectations around food quality. But when it comes to honey production, the path to being certified…
Creating Bee-Friendly Habitats

Creating Bee-Friendly Habitats: A Guide to Planting for Pollinators

Planning for long-term sustainability As commercial beekeepers in Australia, we’ve long known that our industry doesn’t exist in isolation. The health and survival of our colonies depend on the landscapes that surround them. It’s…

Newsletter – September 2025

latest articles Swarming Season: A Golden Opportunity for Beekeepers During swarm season, beekeepers across Australia are watching the skies and the trees for the tell-tale signs of honeybee colonies on the move. Whether…

Mite Maths

Andrew Wootton Here in Victoria, it’s the calm before the (varroa) storm.  The Victorian heat map of July shows three detection clusters, the incursion is well-seeded.  And almond pollination will inevitably be a super-spreader…
beehive inspection

Spring Inspections: What to Look for in Your Hives

A Season of Opportunity Spring in Australia brings new life, warmer weather, and a fresh burst of activity in the apiary. After the quieter winter months, colonies begin to expand rapidly, foraging increases, and the queen ramps up her…
Protecting Pollinators

Newsletter – August 2025

NEWS Life Membership Awarded to Lindsay Bourke B-QUAL is pleased to announce that we were able to present Lindsay Bourke with his Life membership award at the 2025 AHBIC AGM in Adelaide on 5th July in Adelaide. The…
Bee swarms

Swarming Season: A Golden Opportunity for Beekeepers

Catching and managing bee swarms is a valuable skill that every Australian beekeeper should develop. It can be thrilling, sustainable, and economical—especially when done responsibly. Find out more...
American Foulbrood

How to Identify and Prevent American Foulbrood (AFB) in Your Hives

American Foulbrood may be microscopic, but can be devastating. Keep your hives healthy. Simple steps for identification and prevention
Minimizing Pesticide Use

Minimising Pesticide Use: Protecting Bees and the Environment

The Hidden Cost of Pest Control In the battle to protect crops and gardens from destructive pests, one powerful ally often suffers unintended consequences—bees. Across Australia, both native and European honeybee populations face increasing…

NEWSLETTER JULY 2025

LATEST ARTICLES Protecting Pollinators: Why Bees Matter to Our Ecosystem Sometimes, the smallest creatures make the biggest difference, and their well-being is closely tied to ours. In our latest blog, we explore the…
Protecting Pollinators

Protecting Pollinators: Why Bees Matter to Our Ecosystem

Protecting pollinators is securing natural systems that sustain life. Everyone has a role to play. Find out what you can do to help.