Video on Leatherwood Beekeeping

Grandma_DOG · January 26, 2011, 02:06:35 AM

While the first is an interesting video (ok, a slideshow with audio track), it underlines a very interesting ecosystem of beekeeper, Leatherwoods and pollination.
The almond industry really needs the US to have a Leatherwood forest somewhere.

What plant could work in the south? Flowering trees, in general, are more stable a honey flow due to taproots are not as dependent on weather.

http://www.timbonham.com/slideshows/LWBKeep/

and another fun video on Taz honey
Tasmanian Brand Champion: Shirley Stephens

JP · January 26, 2011, 08:00:35 AM

Have you tried leather wood honey? Love the guy's grafting tool at the end!

...JP

Scadsobees · January 26, 2011, 09:15:09 AM

Mmmm...leatherwood honey! Tastes like somebody liquefied fragrant flowers and stuck them in a bottle! :rainbowflower:

hardwood · January 26, 2011, 09:25:59 AM

That's a good looking queen at about the 1:00 mark too!

Scott

vmmartin · January 26, 2011, 09:48:55 AM

I thought so too Scott. She even looks leathery. Is that a word?

D Coates · January 26, 2011, 10:19:11 AM

It is if you've seen people who like to tan too much! I also liked the bottles in the back ground. Very cool!

Grandma_DOG · January 26, 2011, 01:14:44 PM

Quote from: JP on January 26, 2011, 08:00:35 AM
Have you tried leather wood honey? Love the guy's grafting tool at the end!

...JP

I did once, I thought it was awful. But no one I know has had that reaction to it. Maybe I should try another batch.

taztiger · January 31, 2011, 06:28:46 AM

Just about to move my bees to the Leatherwood here in Tassie. Shirley Stephens' honey shed is about 30 kms from where i live. She is a stalwart of industry down here. At one meeting i attended one of the bigger BK said "God bless Shirley Stephens" everytime she starts an ad campaign on tv everybody's honey sales go up!

Acebird · January 31, 2011, 05:23:42 PM

Quotein general, are more stable a honey flow due to taproots are not as dependent on weather.

Why do you say so? I think weather affects everything. I am not in favor of monoculture. If the leatherwoods fail for some reason you will loose all your hives.

Grandma_DOG · January 31, 2011, 06:23:34 PM

Quote from: Acebird on January 31, 2011, 05:23:42 PM
Quotein general, are more stable a honey flow due to taproots are not as dependent on weather.

Why do you say so? I think weather affects everything. I am not in favor of monoculture. If the leatherwoods fail for some reason you will loose all your hives.

Acebird, in general, the deeper the taproot of the honeyplant, the more dependable the flow is. ie. The less the weather is a variable because groundwater levels have less variance than rain levels. I'm advocating we find the equivalent here, because it would provide the nectar for bees to build up on before the almond harvest.

Acebird · January 31, 2011, 07:29:31 PM

QuoteI'm advocating we find the equivalent here, because it would provide the nectar for bees to build up on before the almond harvest.

How is it that it doesn't work for almond trees, or apple trees or an orange groves. Monoculture is very risky. One catastrophe and you are all done.

buzzbee · January 31, 2011, 07:43:27 PM

Almond and apples provide very little nectar as compared to pollen. Bees are hungry coming off of almonds.Mosyt of the nectar is consumed raising brood and hardly any surplus.

Acebird · January 31, 2011, 08:11:45 PM

Does a leatherwood flower all year long and would it do the same in the US? Monoculture is killing bees not the lack of leatherwoods.

taztiger · January 31, 2011, 09:17:09 PM

Leatherwood flowers from 1 to 5 months depending on the location in Tasmania.

Acebird · February 01, 2011, 09:26:58 AM

Quote1 to 5 months depending

That's the kicker...