Soybeans

nella · June 04, 2009, 04:26:22 PM

Are soybeans a good source of pollen or nectar for bees? I have acres around my hives. Also, an opinion about corn.

dennis a · June 04, 2009, 05:47:32 PM

Hi,
I do know soybeans are often sprayed with insecticide. In Iowa we have a law that areas with registered hives within one mile can not be sprayed after 8 am or before 6 pm. Does PA have a sensitive crop directory?
Dennis

sc-bee · June 04, 2009, 05:53:54 PM

Some varieties are some aren't. Most people reference the bloom color when they talk about them. I can't remember if the white or the purple bloom is the nectar source one. Sorry!!!

Michael Bush · June 05, 2009, 03:21:18 PM

>Are soybeans a good source of pollen or nectar for bees?

Some years they make a bumper crop. Some years, nothing. I assume it's the variety the farmer decides to plant, but I don't know. It could be the climate that year.

catfishbill · June 05, 2009, 03:38:47 PM

we have several hives on them.usually early beans are the best.the one around here are about 5-6 inches tall now and i hope they have the purple/pinkish flowers.they are the best.the others i think have white flowers and they are not so desirable.also some farmers are harvesting wheat right now and will follow behind it with beans.i hope they do good also.made some good honey off of them last year.

bill

GJP · June 05, 2009, 05:57:04 PM

The rented land across the road has about 60 acres of soy beans that are about 3-4" tall. I've heard good and bad things about them and will have to wait and see. Not sure what types of insecticides they are using as the land is rented to somebody from about an hour away. Last year the field was alpalpha and clover but with cuttings the girls only had a few days each month or so to catch the blooms.

jason58104 · June 05, 2009, 06:50:53 PM

In NW IA soybeans will produce a good nectar flow about 1 year in five. The downside is a pest called the soybean aphid. Producers use an insecticide to control the aphids, it goes under many trade names. (warrior, lorsban, etc.) These are killers of honeybees. I would call you count extension to get info on brands sprayed and the timing. Aireal spraying is the worst enemy of beekeepers in this area!

Ross · June 06, 2009, 10:05:51 AM

I make good honey off of white flowered beans most years.