Sunflower

[OzBuzz]

Anybody in Victoria have farmers that have planted sunflower crops around them?

[Andersonhoney]

A few that are talking about planting a summer crop in the mallee, as it's so wet they may get another crop this season. I'll keep you informed. Are you wanting to put your bees on it? If so why? It's a summer crop and there is often better options at that time of year without the perils of sunflower.

[OzBuzz]

That would be great if you could! thank you! I'm only wanting to put one, maybe two, colonies on it at most and primarily to see what the honey is like. I've never seen sunflower honey on the shelves before 

How's the season looking up the mallee? I've got a beekeeping site in the Little Desert National Park but never visited it... need to find someone who has a 4WD  that they're happy to lend me lol

[Andersonhoney]

Mallee farmers are very happy. They will get a crop, canola pods have pretty much all set, it's just the lateral growth that is flowering and filling now thanks to that rain. Some may even push over the tonne to an acre. But let's not count it til it's in. Lots more variety of crops planted this season than I've seen before, which is good for us beekeepers. Iv e never seen heavier legume crops than this season. Cereal crops also great.
I'm heading up to the little desert Thursday just to check out the bush and mallee trees. Pm me if you want me to check your sight (if it s not too far from where I'm going through).
Grafting queens Friday and Saturday then into the wyperfeld national park area Sunday Monday. Checking out more country and camping with the kids, work and family balancing act thing.
I'll be talking with a few farmers then some of which were talking up sunflower so I'll let you know when I'm back in range.

[OzBuzz]

Fingers crossed for this season for the farmers! they need a good season! as do us beekeepers...

That would be marvellous if you could check out my site for me! I'lll get the details...thank you!

Sounds like a busy time for you! I'm aching to get some camping done up in that neck of the woods! trying to convince my wife I need a Hilux 

[Andersonhoney]

Spoke to 2 farmers neither has committed to a summer crop yet. Although one has planned for the next seasons crop. A summer crop I think is a bit of a gamble on dry land and a bit of a after thought. I didn't get to kiata which is near your site as the weather sent us home.its not too far from where I'll be so I'll check it out soon. Did it burn through there last year?