FROM THE EXECUTIVE
From the Executive ...
Peter Hayes , ABA Chairperson and Tim Jackson , ABA CEO |
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The
Victorian Government has just confirmed a beehive management plan that is in stark contrast to last year ’ s model which left a number of Victorian growers short of the optimal stocking rates in their orchards .
Growers facing further weather uncertainty
AS WE close in on pollination season a lot of behind-the-scenes work has been done to alleviate concerns around a repeat of the beehive lockdown experienced by a number of growers last year . The Victorian Government has just confirmed a beehive management plan that is in stark contrast to last year ’ s model which left a number of Victorian growers short of the optimal stocking rates in their orchards . The ongoing National Response Plan to eradicate varroa mite discovered in Newcastle a year ago continues , but the Victorian biosecurity response team are now so far advanced with their hive tracing capabilities that the state will continue to be open to beehives outside the NSW varroa quarantine zones . This is a major change in policy and direction by AgVic . It is hoped that SA and Queensland will follow suit and treat varroa detections in a localised manner rather than throwing up blanket border lockdowns . There will be more to come on the details of the Victorian plan , which will still address containing the risk around varroa , but ensure that allied industries can operate with far more certainty than last year ’ s state of emergency border lockdowns . Until these plans were revealed by Victoria , the uncertainty of sourcing NSW hives for Victorian orchards appears to have led to an escalation
in hive rental pricing for the almond pollination season . Quotes per frame for 10-frame hive boxes are above last year ’ s hive rate , but there is significant concerns around just how many high quality 10-frame hives will be available given the less than favourable weather conditions endured by most beekeepers this year . Verifying frame numbers and hive health prior to delivery at the orchard is a key focus of new bee technology that growers are looking to introduce to protect their investment . The ABA will be working alongside growers and bee broker Trevor Monson to evaluate some of the new bee-tech equipment this August . It is estimated that pollination will be worth more than $ 50 million to the beekeeping industry this year .
Blossom appeal the focus
Pollination and new bee technology available will be a key focus of the ABA ’ s biennial Research and Development Forum at Robinvale on August 21-22 . For the first time the industry will state a major event in the heart of its biggest growing district and has aligned our Forum to follow the annual Mallee Blossom Festival at Robinvale . The Festival attracted thousands last year with guided tours of orchards in full blossom attracted photographers trying to capture the ultimate “ selfie ” from right across the country .
The ABA Marketing team will be on hand to optimise the publicity around the blossom during the festival with hand-outs and a range of media opportunities to spread the word . We know that Japan attracts tourists from all over the world during their cherry blossom season in April , but we suspect the almond orchards of the Mallee in August represent a spectacular opportunity much closer to home . As part of the festival and dispelling myths around almonds and health of bees used during pollination , the industry will also launch a heart-shaped bee-tin to mark the contributions bees make to the almond industry . Our most successful marketing tool over the years has been our little heart tin that can carry the recommended daily dose of almonds . We have combined the healthy heart message with the healthy bee message this season to underline the benefits of cross industry pollination ( excuse the pun ).
Save the date
The 2023 Stoller Almond Research and Development Forum will be held at Robinvale on August 21-22 . The first day will feature exclusive access tours to farms in the area that have a range of exciting trials underway . Participants will get the chance to evaluate a range of
4 In A Nutshell - Winter 2023 Vol 24 Issue 2