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“Myrtle rust is top of mind for our industry and along with a local view from the Ministry for Primary Industries, we will hear from our Australian counterparts on their experience to help us understand the potential impact for our industry,” says Karin Kos, Apiculture New Zealand chief executive and member of the conference steering committee.
The conference has attracted leading international speakers including Randy Oliver, renowned researcher and Northern Californian commercial beekeeper. Oliver will speak on international beekeeping trends, bringing his unique perspective on the changing times for beekeeping.
The conference will also hear from Dr Yves Le Conte, Director of the French National Bee Lab (l’Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, INRA), at Avignon. Dr Le Conte’s lab has collaborated with others to define the natural resistance of bees to pathogens and mites, especially varroa.
Each brings a wealth of knowledge on their chosen subjects, something those involved in the beekeeping and honey industry will not want to miss in the three day event from July 9 to 11.
Last year, more than 1200 apiculture enthusiasts attended the national conference at the Energy Events Centre, on the shores of Lake Rotorua, with similar numbers expected this year. Hobbyist and commercial beekeepers, honey packers and anyone with an interest in apiculture from all around the country have registered their attendance.
Kos says as the industry continues to grow so does the popularity and size of the conference.
“Ours is a multi-million dollar a year-plus industry and this conference will be a chance for delegates and stakeholders to discuss some of the big picture issues and opportunities facing the sector.”
As well as the vast amount of knowledge and information available from presenters, the conference also supports a substantial “Trade Buzz” exhibition, with over 120 industry stands, something not to be missed.
The agency charged with controlling the serious bee disease American Foul Brood (AFB) has defended itself against criticism from a North Canterbury beekeeper who was recently ordered to destroy equipment following a find of AFB spores in his storage shed.
Hortplus and Plant & Food Research have upgraded the Myrtle Rust Climate Model with new modelling that gives plant producers real-time spray management advice, based on the actual sprays they use in their nursery.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have released a handbook offering guidance on how to plant strategically to feed bees.
A new in-hive heat treatment is able to destroy the Varroa mite whilst keeping bees alive.
The COVID-19 crisis appears to have sparked a renewed interest in the healing properties of honey.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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