Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Grants And Education To Advance Innovations In Sustainable Agriculture

Project Overview

FNE05-560
Project Type: Farmer
Projected End Date: 12/31/2006
Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Project Leader:
Jonathan Parrott

Effects of hive wrapping strategies on honey bee survival in western Massachusetts

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Animals: bees

Practices

  • Animal Production: housing, animal protection and health
  • Education and Training: decision support system, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research
  • Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns, feasibility study
  • Sustainable Communities: public participation, urban agriculture

Proposal summary:

The practice of wrapping bee hives for the winter was once widespread in the Northeast, but over the last thirty years this practice has declined. The threat of large colony losses from varroa mite infestations has once again made overwintering success important for profitable beekeeping. This project will investigate the effect of two hive wrapping strategies as compared to an unwrapped hive. Bee survival and honey store consumption will be compared. Outreach will be through presentations, an informational flier, and an article.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.