As winter temperatures set in, apiarists and beekeepers are turning to innovative solutions to ensure the well-being of their colonies.
One such breakthrough is the “Hive Hugger,” a non-ventilation design that not only preserves moisture but also effectively insulates beehives to reduce winter weather stress and decrease honey consumption.
Created by Peggy DeSanto, the Hive Hugger has undergone preliminary studies in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, showing remarkable results. Compared to traditional tar paper hives, the product maintains hive temperatures 15 to 50 degrees warmer.
“The Hive Hugger hives ran 15 to 50° warmer and required 30- to 50-percent less honey consumption by the bees during winter,” noted
DeSanto.
This solution could help address the critical issue of winter losses while promoting resource efficiency. In regions with harsh winters, where approximately 55 percent of bee colonies are lost, this new product could potentially cut that percentage down to about 27 percent.
Watch
Megan Shanley Warren, of
Shanley Farms in Morro Bay, California, carry on her late father’s legacy, cultivating avocados and the tastiest fruit you haven’t yet discovered: finger limes.
March 11, 2024 01:49 PM
·
John Deere representative Kaylene Ballesteros took RanchHer host, Janie Johnson, on a tour of the company’s exciting, new offerings at NCBA CattleCon in Orlando.
February 05, 2024 12:54 PM
·
Duck hunting has been a part of Louisiana heritage since Cajuns first settled in the region. One man in central Louisiana is keeping the old ways alive by continuing to craft these prized duck calls rooted in tradition.
December 27, 2023 12:49 PM
·
If you are thinking about making substantial gifts and/or doing so in a complicated fashion, make sure to get good professional advice beforehand. In his latest Firm to Farm blog post, RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen tackles the complex rules surrounding financial gifts, charitable donations and estate transfer.
December 15, 2023 03:12 PM
·
A glimpse into the mindset of the University of Kentucky’s trio of arborists as they relish their role in fostering healthy urban spaces across campus.
December 14, 2023 01:12 PM
·
But, what does “detached and disinterested” mean? When is a transfer of funds a gift — at least in the eyes of the IRS? That is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s Agri-Legal Expert Roger A.McEowen.
December 13, 2023 11:07 AM
·
