UNLEASHING THE BUZZ

Our beekeeping adventures at Gold Lion Farm

Welcome to Gold Lion Farm, where we take pride in our buzzing companions and the sweet nectar they produce. Nestled amidst rows of our organic flower farm, is home to a thriving beehive that holds a treasure trove of Italian bees. Beekeeping has proven to be a fascinating and rewarding journey, but it has also challenged us in unexpected ways. Join us as we share our experiences, from the acquisition of our Italian bees to the recent hurdles we faced, and the importance of beekeeping during this crucial time of year.

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Cameron showcases the different rolls of the bees, the drones, the queen, the workers

• At the beginning of 2021, we first purchased two sets of bees from a north Georgia bee company. We had intended to purchase local bees as ensuring their survival. We had no idea that this bee company was so big-and so careless. The spring season didn’t start until late May that year, forcing the shipment of the bees to a much later time than usual that spring. When this north Georgia co shipped the bees, they never notified us, and if you’ve never ordered bees or chicks through the mail, they sit there, unfed until they are picked up. Timing is critical. When we called to find out when the bees would be shipped, we learned they had been sitting on the back dock of the post office for days. When we arrived at the post office, more than 20% were dead. We tried to support these damaged hives as best we could, but sadly they absconded almost immediately. An expensive and heart breaking lesson learned. We were determined to do things very different the next year. In 2022, we embarked on a journey to acquire a set hyper local Italian bees, a prized breed renowned for their gentle temperament, productivity, and the exquisite flavor of their honey. With the help of a local beekeeper, Jim Quick at Quick Bee Farm. He’s an educator in bees, sells them commercially and consults with us during our period of learning! We carefully selected these bees, ensuring their health and suitability for our farm. Little did we know, our initial understanding of beekeeping would soon be enriched by the complexity and intricacies of this ancient art.

The Beekeeping Adventure Unveiled:

Beekeeping, we discovered, is a fascinating and multifaceted craft that demands attention, patience, and an intimate understanding of nature's rhythms. As we delved deeper into this new endeavor, we quickly realized that supporting our Italian bees throughout the seasons would present numerous challenges. They have times where the need support-like sugar water. They also have times where they need us to interfere and do things like kill unwanted queen eggs. ( I never expected to do that)

From the harsh winters where we ensured their survival, to the delicate bloom of spring where they began gathering pollen and nectar, our bees taught us the importance of vigilance and care. Each season brought unique responsibilities, such as monitoring their health, managing pests and diseases, and providing them with a suitable environment to thrive.

The bees at Gold Lion Farm are busy making their honey.

A Lesson in Resilience:

The Beehive Robbery This month, our beehive faced its first significant challenge—a robbery from another set of bees. While bees are generally peaceful creatures, their insatiable appetite for honey sometimes leads to conflict. As the warmer months approached and the flow of nectar and pollen increased, rival bees sought to claim the resources of our thriving hive. What were the signs of a robbery? First-there were hundreds of bees circling the hive at all times of the day and would buzz in and out, leaving sticky feet prints on the hive. Dead Chalk brood were piling up at the entrance. Our bees were literally wresting these robbers on the hive, desperatly trying to prevent them from entering the hive. Usually there are a pair of guards at the entrance, but not this time. We think we might have had a queen that was weakened, or perhaps left, leaving the hive vulnerable.

This event served as a stark reminder of the need to protect our bees and their precious honey. We promptly implemented strategies to deter intruders, such as reinforcing hive security, enhancing hive ventilation, and closely monitoring any signs of aggression or disturbance. Through this experience, we learned that beekeeping requires constant adaptation and a deep commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our buzzing friends.

The Buzz of the Flow Season: As we enter the month of June, beekeeping takes on even greater significance. This time of year marks the height of bee activity, known as the "flow season." Vibrant flowers, blossoming trees, and abundant nectar become a paradise for bees, fueling their tireless efforts to gather and transform nature's bounty into golden honey.

During this critical period, beekeeping becomes especially important. It is a time when we must provide our bees with the necessary care and support to maximize their productivity. From ensuring ample forage and water sources to maintaining hive health and combating potential threats, our dedication to beekeeping becomes a vital component of maintaining a thriving ecosystem.

At Gold Lion Farm, our foray into beekeeping has been an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected challenges and profound rewards. The acquisition of our Italian bees has allowed us to appreciate the art and science of beekeeping on a deeper level, expanding our understanding of nature's intricate workings.

As the flow season approaches and our bees prepare to harness the bountiful offerings of nature, we remain committed to their well-being. Through careful observation, continuous learning, and proactive beekeeping practices, we aim to support and protect our buzzing companions as they tirelessly work to create the liquid gold we cherish—local, farm-to-table honey.

TAGS: BEEKEEPING, LOCAL HONEY, JIM QUICK, JACKSON GEORGIA, FLOWER FARM