Yearly Archives: 2013


Neonicotinoid – Position of MBA

BACKGROUND Neonicotinoids is a class of systemic pesticides that have been linked recently to pollinator decline primarily in Ontario and Quebec. This insecticide can be applied in various ways such as a seed coating (i.e. on corn, canola, soybean, winter wheat, etc), as a foliar spray and as a soil drench or granules. Systemic pesticides are absorbed into plant tissues and are able to migrate through the entire plant. The pesticide affects the insects’ central nervous system resulting in paralysis and death. The following are examples of insecticides found in the Chloronicotinyl insectides (a.k.a. Neonicotinoid): Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, Imidacloprid, Thiacloprid and […]


2013 All Resolutions 13 Nov

The following Resolutions were presented, discussed, and voted upon at the MBA Annual General Meeting of 13 November 2013, held in Neepawa, Manitoba. 1 BEE MOVEMENT JURISDICTIONS & POLICIES       WHEREAS each province has a Bee Act that regulates its own beekeeping industry including interprovincial movement of bees, and WHEREAS the federal government supports regionalization (zoning) in agriculture trade agreements; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that MBA work with MAFRD and CFIA to recognize each province has jurisdiction under the provincial bee acts to develop policies and protocols with the regards to the movement of bees into and out of each province.                         […]


Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a growing concern for beekeepers in Manitoba and some beekeepers have contracted the serious disease. The Blacklegged Tick is a carrier and producers need to watch for this tiny tick from early spring to late fall. Information on Lyme disease and the risks in Manitoba can be found on the website of Manitoba Health: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/lyme/ The site includes access to a “Lyme Disease Manitoba Health Brochure”, and “Lyme Disease Environmental Health Fact Sheet”. Also, CBC’s “The Nature of Things with David Suzuki” had an episode on Lyme disease which can be found online (originally aired Oct. 10, 2013). “Ticked Off: […]


2013 Risk Assessment Report from CFIA

CFIA Risk Assessment on honeybee imports from the USA The Animal Health Risk Assessment unit of Canadian Food Inspection Agency released its final report in late October on Honey Bee Package imports from USA. The report essentially concludes: “Prohibition on Importation of Honey Bee Packages from continental USA will remain in effect, as it has since 1987”. The report provides comprehensive details on the elements analysed for the 2013 update to their last review in 2003. At a Special Meeting of MBA members on May 3, 2013, resolutions guided the Directors to seek approval from Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Minister G. Ritz, […]


2013 Honey Days Celebration

2013 Manitoba Honey Show The Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association (MBA) sponsors a yearly Industry promotional event, aimed at linking consumers with the people who provide some of the food for them. In addition to describing the benefits of Bees and the value of the Honey industry, there is a Competition for honey producers, an area for consumers to support the artisinal Honey Producers, plus an educational honey industry informational element for all ages of consumers. Typical display categories include: Honey, Comb, Frames, Beeswax, Photography and often a Beverage category too! Check out the Honey Show Rules and Regulations. The show is […]


2013 Beekeepers Field Day

Beekeepers Field Day and Summer Picnic 2013, Gilbert Plains, Manitoba Invitation (revised): On Thursday 20 June 2013, over 60 beekeepers and family members were welcomed to an afternoon of food, information, and conversation, near Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. Time/Cost:  Event ran from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. BBQ Lunch served by a local caterer at about 12:00 p.m. Food Cost $10.00 each. Bring a Lawn Chair, and sun cap! Location: Gilbert Plains, (located about 30 km West of Dauphin), At junction of Highway 5 and 274, turn North. Proceed through the town of Gilbert Plains. Travel North on Hwy 274 for 1.5 miles […]


Liability Insurance for Beekeepers

INDIVIDUAL BEEKEEPER LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR GROUPS Larger Beekeeping Operations: Often Large Commercial Beekeeping Operations have an overall Farm Insurance policy to cover all elements of their business, while some beekeepers may be able to add an endorsement to their Home Insurance policies to cover beekeeping only on their own property. For those desiring coverage for bees on their property or when moved to someone else’s property, this could help you. Hobby Beekeepers: For those classified as Hobby Beekeepers, having a few hives of bees in their back yard, and neighbouring houses close by, this could be the protection needed. This […]