Beekeepers from all over the state came to pick up bees to add to their colonies during our annual bee pick-up days. The exact date of pick-up days differ every year, but they’re typically around May when the weather starts to get warmer in Michigan. Around that time, we head down to Georgia to pick-up our bees, who vacation in the peach state for colony building in the winter months. Bees from GLBC also provide pollinating services in California.
When the bees return to Fremont, Michigan they forage on basswood, alfalfa, star thistle, and west Michigan flowers to create Michigan Honey. In addition to producing honey under the Hasselman brand, the bees are also hired to help pollinate various crops including: Almonds (January); Apricots, Sweet Cherries, peaches and plums (April); Tart Cherries, Pears, Blueberries and Apples (May).
Pick-Up Day One
Last Saturday, May 15 marked day one of the two total pick-up days in May. Our May 15 pick-up was for bee keepers purchasing framed nucs (the structure where bees live and produce honey) with bees. Thanks to our helpers, we were able to distribute over 350 nucs: 215 five frames and 150 nine frames.
It was a wonderful turnout. We had so much fun talking with each and every one of you. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our beekeeping knowledge and grow our network of beekeepers.
Next Week: Demo Days
Packaged bees and marked queen bees are to be picked-up the following Saturday on May 22 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., which is also our GLBC Demo Days. The demo days will include a smoker lighting and use demonstration as well as how to introduce packaged bees to current colonies or into new nucs. Demonstrations will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.