Given the crash course in plant pollination that everyone has had since CCD reared its ugly head in the US, it seems kind of silly to have to say it. Of course bees matter. Yet, that’s what a group of Ontario farm organizations “and the agricultural industry that supports them” felt the burning need to say on the weekend. And say …
We’re back!
Well, that was painful. I keep saying that after doing a re-org of the site. I think I’ll stop now. So? How have you been? đ
The “Eco Bee Box”
Greg stumbled upon this site this morning and it looks very interesting. A bit fancy for my tastes, but if you want a beautiful hive, then this might be right up your alley. For the record, the site’s claim that topbar hives “fail(s) to meet USDA regulatory inspection  guidelines” is utter nonsense. Topbars are easily removed for inspection, it just may take …
Neonicotinoid Contamination of Waterways Widespread in Midwest US
So much for Bayer’s promises that clothianidin breaks down quickly and isn’t a danger to wildlife. USGS Release: Insecticides Similar to Nicotine Widespread in Midwest
More than half of Ontario honey bee colonies died last winter
Jeez, what a slaughter. 58% of them gone. I don’t think that banning neonicotinoid pesticides is THE answer, though. It’s an important step, but there’s no way that pesticides are completely reponsible for this. If anyone needs more proof that the industry must change their practices, this is it. More than half of Ontario honey bee colonies died last winter: report …
Another Silent Spring? | George Monbiot
George Monbiot writes in The Guardian: Hereâs our choice. We wait and see whether a class of powerful pesticides, made by Bayer and Syngenta, is indeed pushing entire ecosystems to oblivion, or we suspend their use while proper trials are conducted. The natural world versus two chemical companies: how hard can this be? via Another Silent Spring? | George Monbiot.
Honey & Pollen Plants of Ontario
In the time B.B. (Before bees), I didn’t really give a lot of thought to wildflowers. I could identify a few dozen, but I didn’t have any particular reason to learn about more. After bees, I’m sure I’ve learned 100 or more. This is a neat site to help you identify what that particular plant is that you’re looking at based upon …
Beekeepers question Bayer CropScience at Guelph symposium | CTV Barrie News
Good for Jim Coneybeare. These people really need to have their feet publicly held to the fire. Beekeepers question Bayer CropScience at Guelph symposium | CTV Barrie News.
As Honeybees Die Off, First Inventory of Wild Bees Is Under Way
Great idea, but I don’t know if I could count that high without losing track! đ As Honeybees Die Off, First Inventory of Wild Bees Is Under Way | Nat Geo Food.
Ontario’s neonic restrictions will destroy the province?
I was just reading an article in the Kingston Whig Standard about beekeepers and Ontario’s proposed restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Beeks are happy and hopeful, but the corn and soybean industry is in a frothing panic. According to a Conference Board of Canada report, paid for by the Grain Farmers of Ontario and industry group CropLife Canada, …