Technology & Bee keeping

[NZJan]

Systems, be it paper based or mega memory, most of us approach bee keeping with our own system, a way of doing things, that make things better and/or easier.  From excel spread sheets to modified access databases - What systems do you use in your bee keeping? Where can technology be more helpful?
(We're keen to learn about how you think technology could potentially help you - http://www.beemaster.com/forum/index.php?topic=46154.0)

[BlueBee]

Since I'm just a hobbyist who usually only keeps a couple dozen hives/nucs at any one time, I don't take much of a systems approach to what I'm doing.  Sometimes my noggin gets tired of having to think 24-7.  I just like to relax with the bees, and my fellow bee keepers of coarse!  I save the systems approach to my profession.

However I have experimented with numerous technologies to help my bees in my cold climate.  I've experimented with electrically heated hives and nucs.  I've experimented with super insulated hives (R5 to R10) for my bees.  I've also experimented with various sizes of brood combs.  I've observed what has worked best in my bee yard and generally uses those lessons now.  The bees are kind of on autopilot now.

[Joe D]

Just a hobbyist here also, I don't keep as good of records as I should.  To some extent we all have our own way of doing things, It maybe very similar but not quite the same.  I do what I think my bees may need when they need something and leave them alone more than I used to.  I try to leave them plenty of honey during the year and especially for winter.  I haven't been getting to read stuff here like I used too.  I go to my local bee club meeting every month.  I read this and that picking up things and go to   Bud's.  You can pick up a lot of knowledge there, if you haven't made it, you should.   Can't wait for mid April this year.  I write down some stuff and try to remember the rest, that, that I write down I have to remember where I put it.  OK got to rambling again.  I like to put a lot into favorites on the computer.    Good luck


Joe

[GSF]

I have two summers under my belt with bee keeping. The first summer I got started with a single late package. Last summer I done cut outs, caught swarms, and made splits. I have a 5x9 card for each hive, Hive #1,#2, ect. I'm making notes each time I go in and look. I will continue doing this for at least another year. I'm trying to figure out which genetics I plan to keep. After that I probably want fool too much with notes. I'm pretty sure there isn't any feral bees around here so hopefully my plan won't get laid low from another gene pool.

[chux]

Heading into my 3rd year with bees. I started with a Google drive document. I listed hives by number, and made notes according to strength and source. Most of my hives are from swarms or cutouts. I also made notes about where I caught swarms, so that I know where to put traps next season.

Recently, I came across a website which offers lots of free content and service. Hivetracks. I was able to make a list of my bee yards, create a file for each hive, and make detailed notes. There are printable inspection sheets. I can do an inspection, and enter all data in the software. It keeps the records. It is simple and free. If it works well for me this year, I may upgrade to the paid version, which adds some cool upgrades. But the free version is awesome. And no, I am not an employee, or connected with hivetracks in any other way than as a free customer.

[hivepirate]

I find it hard to create real-time logs using current technology devices while in the bee yard.  Too much dirt and debris.  Maybe wearable technology will create future opportunities to take notes/pics/videos directly into an application.  Later in the day after working a hive, I try to remember to take notes.  I organize using a generic mind-mapping tool (The Brain) to organize any notes, pictures, files, and other information about each hive and other activities. I keep my notes limited to significant observations and milestone activities (treatments, inspections, feedings, splits, re-queening, disease, collapse, etc.).  It is essentially a tool to research what went wrong if I lose a colony or if one turns hot I can track it from inception.  For colonies that are doing great, I rarely find time to review those notes unless I want to replicate certain activities.  Mind-mapping tools can be organized in a relational manner that mirror the way you think.  That said, only as good as your own brain thinks.  I tried Hive Tracks, and found it too limiting and a bit cumbersome to set up - too much focus on equipment inventory for my needs. 

Hope this helps.

[Michael Bush]

Bricks.