A lecture given by John Donoghue at the 2019 National Honey Show entitled "Managing Bees for the Honey Crop" The lecture is sponsored by Surrey Beekeepers Association. The National Honey Show gratefully acknowledge the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers for their support.
John Donoghue
I grew up on a small farm in Co. Offaly Ireland and am a Carpenter/Joiner by trade. My first hive of bees was a swarm from a wild colony in the roof of the old farmhouse. My granduncle who kept bees all his life gave a hive to a neighbour and he helped hive the swarm. I was in primary school at the time. I manage 50 to 60 colonies, mostly national hives. I started to exhibit at honey shows in the mid 1970s and won my first trophy at the National in London in 1979. After many years exhibiting I now have the honour of judging at these shows and encourage new exhibitors. I have lectured to many associations over the years on the very practical craft of beekeeping and try to pass on some of the knowledge gained over more than forty years, some of which can only be passed on through touch and feel.
Managing Bees For the Honey Crop
Deals with knowing your local area and when to expect the main honey flow. Getting supers ready for run honey or cut comb. Maintaining strong stocks. Avoiding congestion, giving queens room to lay and providing space for incoming nectar. Predicting what might happen by reading the present situation. Minimise swarming and dealing with swarming colony.