More Than Honey

When we were picking cherries at a local fruit farm the other day, I saw a pallet of four beehives. It was the first time I consciously noticed commercial bees, and I took the opportunity to ask the farmer a few questions about them. He told me he needs the services of 160 hives to cover the pollination needs of his crops. Two local commercial beekeepers supply them. I asked if they were small operations? Or else, why did he need two suppliers? No, was the answer, both of the suppliers have hundreds if not thousands of hives they rent out. So why deal with two suppliers? He explained he feels the need to hedge against one of them having such a horrible year with hive mortality that enough supply might not be available for his needs on the farm. And this situation did indeed occur this year, he quoted a hive mortality of 45% (I have heard higher numbers before...). 

 

Every time I talk bees with someone new, I learn more. I hope others will, too, so I am currently working with my beekeeping friend and fellow blogger to organize local showings of the movie 'More Than Honey'.

Do watch the trailer, it got me incredibly excited to watch the whole film. It marries beautiful cinematography with in-depth looks at different aspects of beekeeping, showing how truly amazing bees really are, and how bizarre commercial beekeeping (and therefore our agricultural system) is on the large scale. I can't wait to recruit new BEElievers by showing it at my local library and church.