-
Our Trip to HillCo, LLC
The authors of the post recount their journey into beekeeping, leading to their first honey harvest experiences. They compare two extraction methods: crushing the honeycomb, which proved messy and wasteful, and using a centrifugal extractor, which they ultimately decided to purchase from HillCo, LLC. Their visit to the company included a factory tour, highlighting its…
-
Beekeeping Update: Progress and Challenges in 2024
The author reflects on the busy year, noting progress with beekeeping, including successful feeding and growth of colonies. They review last year’s ambitious goals, achieving new hive boxes and constructing a barn and greenhouse. Challenges with lavender and a Koi pond leak were addressed, with future improvements planned.
-
The Longest Week: Retrieving the 2nd Boone County swarm
In the lead-up to Memorial Day, the writer shares their busy week relocating a bee swarm, likening it to the enduring efforts of D-Day. They detail each day’s tasks, from painting the hive box to finally moving the bees to their new home. Despite the challenges, the rewarding outcome made it all worthwhile.
-
Homing the Boone County Swarm
5/4/2024 – Busy day: Captured and relocated swarm from Columbia tree with friend Brian. Moved swarm trap to permanent hive after morning church meeting. Bees eager to leave trap, but with tools from Linda, made progress. Surprised by amount of drawn-out comb. Checked on wild swarm, found them on frames in the morning.
-
Double swarm Friday…
On 5/3/2024, a day planned for picking up a swarm trap in Boone County took an unexpected turn. Responding to a swarm notification in Columbia, the group successfully captured the bees. They also acquired another swarm trap later, ending the day with three colonies. The day was both eventful and successful.
-
Final inspection of the season…
This beekeeping season has been educational, highlighting the importance of putting theory into practice. The final hive inspection involved removing unused items, counting frames, and placing a wool pillow over remaining frames. The pillow helps regulate humidity and temperature, vital for the bees’ survival during winter. The hive will remain closed until spring to assess…
-
Wiring the frames…
On 10/20/2023, the process of making frames was demonstrated, except for wiring them. Wires are essential for support, regardless of using strips or a full frame of foundation. Although wiring the frame seems simple, challenges like breaking and forgetting to staple occur. Ultimately, about 28 out of 40 frames were successfully wired.
-
The Barn and Networking…
9/20/2023 The barn is a structure that was here when we bought the property. It quickly became one of our favorite places. The previous owner used it for a pony barn. We started using it as a place to store gardening tools. The barn had water but no electricity. We ran a power line to…
-
Frame Day…
On 9/7/2023, frame assembly for the next year began. The process involves placing and gluing pieces in a jig, and then stapling them. Despite the loud air compressor, two videos demonstrate the process. 36 frames were completed, with bottom pieces being the limiting factor, but easy to make.
-
Working on frame tops…
September 1, 2023 I decided this would be a good day to work on frame tops. Of all the pieces of a frame the top takes the most amount of work. First the frame needs to be cut to a length of 14 5/16 inches and then to a width of 1 1/2 inches. After…