Ontario beekeepers continue to struggle with winter losses

Ontario beekeepers continue to struggle with winter losses

Ontario Beekeepers’ Association says more research, funding needed to understand contributing factors

The Ontario Beekeepers Association said that more than 50 per cent of colonies were lost in the winter of 2025, one of the highest rates since the OBA started tracking winter loss statistics.

Apiarists keeping an eye on smoky skies

Apiarists keeping an eye on smoky skies

Some precautions beekeepers can take during wildfire season

Although not much is known about how smoke from wildfires affects bees, an Ontario beekeeper says there are several precautions apiarists can take to minimize health risks to the bees, as well as themselves.


“Non-crop habitats are important for pollinators in agricultural fields as these provide essential resources and nesting sites.”

To save bees, focus first on habitat, then pesticides: scientists

Science Notes: A recent study indicates habitat loss is a bigger factor than pesticide exposure when it comes to bee diversity

Hedgerows and wild grass in field margins, which previously served as semi-natural habitats, are being swallowed by agricultural production. While scientists have suggested pesticide use and habitat loss are detrimental to pollinators, their relative impacts were unclear. A recent study by researchers in China, the U.K. and the Netherlands offers insight. It showsthat semi-natural habitats […] Read more


Beekeepers lose about 45 per cent of their bee population each year, an amount of death loss that wouldn’t be tolerated in other livestock sectors.

Putting more buzz into bee management

Nectar is a Canadian company that brings digital data to beekeeping decisions

Apiarists now have software to manage data from hives to make more informed decisions about disease and hive movement. Canadian company Nectar aims to be the “operating system of the global bee industry,” says Marc-André Roberge, CEO of Nectar. Why it matters: Beekeepers lose many bees each year and more management data could reduce those […] Read more

Bees play an important role in food production, responsible for pollinating 71 crop varieties.

New plant-based bee health treatment shows promise

Research results show treatment has efficacy against foulbrood viruses and varroa mites

The challenges facing bee health have become well-known in recent years as bee deaths have made headlines in many countries. According to the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists, honeybee losses in Canada were estimated at 32 per cent nationwide last year, with provincial losses ranging from 11.7 to 46.2 per cent. A British Columbia company […] Read more

ProtectaBEE has small entrance and exit cones that direct bees to walk through a fungal powder that combats threats such as varroa mite.

Ontario start-up Best for Bees takes Innovation Award at World Beekeeping Awards

ProtectaBEE tech recognized as beekeeping innovation

An Ontario-based beekeeping tech start-up took home a silver medal at the World Beekeeping awards in Chile last month. Kitchener’s Best for Bees received the Innovation in Practical Beekeeping Award for its ProtectaBEE technology, an all-in-one adjustable hive entrance meant to protect hives. Small entrance and exit cones direct bees to walk through a fungal […] Read more


The McDougall Creek wildfire burns outside West Kelowna, B.C. on Aug. 18, 2023. (Photo: Reuters/Chris Helgren)

AgriRecovery feed, freight, breeding herd aid set for Alberta, Saskatchewan, B.C.

Feds, provinces announce combined $365 million in aid programs

The federal and Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia governments are jointly putting up $365 million to support ranchers and farmers up against this summer’s drought and wildfire damage. The feds on Friday announced their 60 per cent, or $219 million, share of AgriRecovery program funding for the three westernmost provinces. “I’ve had the opportunity to […] Read more

2022 was a particularly difficult year for Ontario beekeepers.


Ontario Beekeepers to receive $1.3 million

Investment comes after rough patch for Ontario beekeepers

Federal and provincial governments have announced an investment of $1.3 million to help Ontario beekeepers improve their operations. The investment is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) and aims to “help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations in Ontario,” the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said in a […] Read more