Welcome to Sun Mountain Apiary 2025
Queen and her court
Anyone interested in gaining a bit more knowledge about bees and beekeeping are welcome to this free talk next Saturday. While it won't make you a beekeeper, you will learn about the basics of bee biology and what it takes to get into beekeeping.
I will be joined by Rosemary Mix who will share with us the threats that all pollinators face from climate and habitat change, pesticides and more. Should be a fun and educational afternoon! Speaking of bees, the news continues to be negative with local, regional and national hive loss at an unprecedented level. We had 50% loss and many of my colleagues and larger beekeepers have lost 50% to 90% of their hives. At this point in time there is no definitive answer why although some have pointed to the fact bees seem to have a ~ 20 year cycle where they seem to take a hit for unknown reasons. Remember Colony Collapse Disorder from about 20 years ago? There are theories, but no solid explanation for it still to this date. This is causing serious concerns for pollination across the country. There are insufficient bees to pollinate the almond crop in California right now, which also means there may not be enough for all the flowering fruits and vegetables that follow (cucumbers, oranges, watermelons, squash, etc) that migratory beekeepers move to following the almonds. This may impact fruit and vegetable costs and obviously honey production will be down not only for us, but all affected beekeepers. Like all agriculture, you must be resilient as you always need to be addressing the current challenge and adapt. We were fortunate to be aware of the situation earlier than most and were able to make plans to rebuild as well as preparing to raise some queens from our own stock this year. Bee safe and bee well! Bob 
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Adirondack beekeepers report surge in hive loss
Excessive rise in bee deaths are impacting local honey producers as well as crop pollination on a national level By Holly Riddle, Adirondack Explorer Shared online by Times Union, March 9, 2025 Over the last few months, beekeepers in the Adirondacks are seeing an unprecedented number of bee deaths. Cindy Elsenbeck, education coordinator with the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association — the largest beekeeping club in New York, serving about 400 members spread across nine counties, as well as neighboring states — lost the entirety of her operation in December. READ MORE 
Speaking of items that are popular this time of year, if you get chapped hands and finger “splits,” then you should try Linda’s very popular lotion bars. These all natural beeswax based bars will heal your hands faster than most over-the-counter remedies. They are available in both unscented and lavender. I keep one in my pickup and one on my nightstand and use them regularly. They make great stocking stuffers too at only $6 each.
"I tried absolutely everything to help with my chronic chapped fingers. Your lotion bars have been the BEST BY FAR and one of the few products which actually helps! Thank you!" - K. Abbate, Colonie
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In 2020 we went through the testing and inspection process to become a “NY Grown and Certified Honey Producer.” While all claim their honey is pure, and bees are the best, we decided to back the claims up with the documentation and inspections that prove we have healthy hives, excellent sanitation in extraction, and nothing but pure, raw NY local honey.
Pure - Natural- Raw |
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