South Dakota is Buffalo and Indian land in the northern part of the Midwest. I talked to Chris Baldwin some time ago. He is a commercial beekeeper running about 1500 bee colonies. In summer his bees are closer to his
Neonics and success
Bees visit corn for pollen, period. Bees visit canola for pollen. Bees visit potatoes for pollen (Danish tests). Bees visit a lot of flowers for pollen. Bees get what the pollen is enriched with. Neonics are not good for bees.
Early flowers are coming early
Still wood anemones are beautiful and giving pollen, though bees are now more interested in other sources. This is an early season, really. And beautiful. Chilly frosty nights but nice and sunny days. Solar wax melter works. Dandelions are starting
Salix is valuable
Salix has many species around the world that are important for our pollinators in spring. Rich in nectar and valuable pollen. Willow trees have done most of their job for this year. They are not only loved by bees.
Clover, fertilizers and bees
In Wanganui Chronicles in New Zealand April 14 there’s an article by Rachel Rose titled Bees play vital role in food chain. In New Zealand they know bees are important for dairy and meat production. Yes, for dairy and for