Flash Flood Over Night Bee Yard Washed Away

a Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog

[@FrederickDunn]

Wow, Ian, that's a truly devastating situation! I thought our 70 mph winds were bad here. It's truly striking how quickly things can take a turn for the worse. It's fortunate that you have access to all of that heavy equipment to pull your truck. You didn't mention this in the video, but does your Farmer's Insurance cover a flooding event like that? I know that words can't improve your situation, but I'm really wishing you well as you recover from those devastating losses. Thank you for having the energy and foresight to make this video. A man and his bees, the forklift sequences were particularly poignant as you just got to work, what else could you do.

[@framcesmoore]

I did not think of that Mr Dunn that is a good question. and thank you for asking it. I am still sorry about his bees but he will be fine with the insurance that should pay for everything

[@FrederickDunn]

@@framcesmoore I hope so, always nice to see your comments, Frances :)

[@vvmnnnn]

very bad many damaged bees from a heavy rain and low temperatures how can we help

[@matsibley7832]

Heartbreaking

[@dadfacts2371]

I think I speak for all of us subscribers. We feel your pain today and for the last few weeks. We hope the rest of the season is much better for you.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

It’s odd, but filming the events of this vid has helped me work through this situation without falling apart. The value of the lost bees and their associated honey production value runs around 100G

[@aurimasdzezulskis3180]

I am sorry to hear that, but what you mean by 100G? :D

[@tkoragen3527]

@@aurimasdzezulskis3180 100K!? Maybe

[@blaahster]

Ouch, prayers! One day at a time!

[@mihai.r-beekeeper5694]

I'm sorry to see this misfortune. It was a very, very unstable and difficult spring for bees in Romania as well. You need a lot of strength to get over this. "I can summarize in two words everything I've learned about life: move on" - Robert Frost.

[@TheCaliforniaBeekeeper]

I'm with you man! Crap it hurts watching. The best advice I can give is to give them dry frames and pray. Even the ones that made it in my flash flood never did anything. 🤬 Ian Damn I'm sorry this happened 😢

[@JoelKonkin-m5j]

Hey Ian. 48 year old framer, got a hive as an anniversary gift last year. Got my first nuc June 1 this year. Have watched hundreds of hours of videos to educate myself leading up to getting my girls. Watched most of your stuff, Bob Binnie and the U of Guelph HBRC stuff. I just watched this video and it reminded me to thank you. You paint the picture as it truly is which isn’t always pretty. Surprisingly enough your failures at times are as encouraging as your successes. It keeps it real for us rookies. If you are ever in Hamilton, Ontario, I’d love to give you a tour or my single hive apiary. Thanks again.

[@Jack-es9xq]

For as long as I've watched your videos I envied your situation. Today - not so much. You're a tough soldier and you never know what good might come from this.

[@tomskatteboe8527]

Well I'm New at this. But one husbandry thing I learnt was not to put hives on the ground. Bees don't live on the ground. So the real question is did you learn anything from your stupid? This was pure laziness on this keeper. Completely piss poor business plans . it's a shame those bee's paid the price. If these were animals he would be on charges for cruelty. A 80,000$ Dollar tractor and he couldn't buy some 2x4 and steal fence post.

[@andrewvandervelde2488]

Hmm... You are indeed “New at this!” Here is another/first ‘life’ lesson for you... “Never kick a man when he is down!” Why? Because it demonstrates to others that the ‘Kickee’ has a complete lack of Grace, Mercy & Humility! If only you could have learned that through Ian’s vivid demonstration of those same qualities???

[@tomskatteboe8527]

Well I put some thoughts on this before I made that comment. And I've been to court on husbandry issues of live stock. From my observation. this Man has several 100 hives. So did I kick him yeap! One thing that I can say is that you take Care of your money! Do I think he had it coming? No I am greatly saddened by his miss fortune. But I've seen many professional bee keeper's show hives on the ground show animals molesting there hives and do nothing to detour it. So let's look at this. For 50 $ you could buy some screws ,go to the a place that gets pallets most local manufacturing places. Get free for hauling pallets. Then build some up rights and screw them together. Done it will slow or stop most wild life and any unexpected flash flooding. I call it cheap insurance buy it once and done. So yeap he had a dumb ass coming.

[@andrewvandervelde2488]

Well Tom... I would disagree with you... No one deserves to be kicked... physically or emotionally... that’s abusive behaviour... and it speaks only to the character of the one doing doing the abusing. As for your suggested plans to mitigate the problem... it would be much cheaper & simpler to place the hives onto higher ground and not into a potential watercourse... I am sure Ian has already learned that lesson... and it would be foolish to build your suggested plans in the same location at any rate. As to wildlife management and mitigation of damages... a simple electric bear fence is all that’s needed... any other ‘wildlife damage’ is inconsequential on the whole.

[@cornerslice]

Ian, as a beekeeper watching this devastation breaks my heart. Much respect to your hard work and knowledge you share with us.

[@raulfelixfloresipanaque4933]

En estos fenómenos pluviales, las colmenas puestos en palet no las proteje del suelo con demasiada lluvia q se vuelve un río d agua, buscar alturas es lo más recomendable para q pueda escurrir el agua , yo también lo sufrí en estos fenómenos pluviales....Q nada nos detenga y pa delante nomás. Saludos desde Perú.

[@patriciaperkins626]

What a brutal late winter and spring you have suffered. I am so sorry for your loss. I know this bad weather and flooding will affect your honey production this year as it has already affected your nuc sales. Thanks for sharing this devastating video because it really shows how much you care for and fight for your bees.

[@swohiobees]

Heartbreaking to watch Ian. Mother nature doesn't mess around in keeping us humble. I pray your season gets better.

[@jeremystorvold]

Ian, I’ve maybe ever commented on a KZbin video once before but I couldn’t watch this without leaving you a message. Thank you for everything you are doing for the community. Resiliency comes through adversity!

[@MASTERGROWERP]

I know how much work u put in ,I've had 11 hives before in Massachusetts and can't imagine how much work & disappointed you are, So sorry for your loss.

[@GeorgeCMcRae]

Sorry can't convey. Last year was drought and heat. This year the opposite. You've got all the emotional support all of us can send. All our hopes and dreams. If only nature would give us even a little break.

[@ellisclark2024]

I almost stopped watching when you were lifting them onto the truck. I am glad I stuck with it. I can’t imagine how gut wrenching that was to do. For you to keep your chin up and persevere shows the man you are. Your character of taking care of the girls that are struggling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you push ahead of trying times. Best of luck and better days!

[@blujen1642]

Absolutely Devastating yet your Resilence comes thru Strong. The Dams worked but inadvertently took out your Bees and as a result destroyed the yard. Your Composure says so much about your Character. Thank you for showing what needed to be done and what you faced. You are a great Teacher. May what is left be multiplied by the inspiration n revelation of the Holy Spirit to replace what was lost.

[@watsonfrawley9461]

I remember this. Amazed that you could recover like you did. Hoping for a normal Spring for your girls.

[@milkmansteve1]

Can this year STOP getting worse ? Holy moses ! Every new video seems like a new kick to the groin for you , Ian. I really hope anything can be saved at this point.

[@deannelson9565]

Just remember what's bad for one is good for others! Point being is this storm is rolling over top of some extremely drought-ridden areas just to his Southwest so it's good for them but bad for him! Seriously this area is basically the top wheat producing area of North America and the planet has just lost one-third of its wheat export Market meaning many places are going to start starving due to lack of grain so the loss of a few bees to make sure we get at least a chance at a good crop is well just par for the course up here in the northern planes of the u.s. and Canada.

[@gregr5]

@@deannelson9565 still doesn't heal the pain. climate change driven wx events, war, plague, and not least raw human stupidity - all conspire to f us over. it's not a zero sum game though, where one must suffer so another can get relief. it doesn't have to work that way.

[@cedarcrossbeefarm5399]

Ian, I can't imagine the feeling of loss you have right now. My Wife and I are praying for you. We are just starting out on our second year of bee keeping. Prayers from Texas 🙏

[@gailwhite39]

I'm a subscriber, a farmer and a beekeeper, who has been watching your videos for a couple of years now. These kinds of disasters can happen to any of us, but you have been having an exceptionally bad year. I really hope that your luck will turn now. You have certainly had your share of the bad for one year!

[@jwniemeijer1150]

with fear and trembling I open youtube daily and finally hope for good news from your beekeeping. but this beats everything. After the rough start of the beekeeping season. I am impressed with how you take the time to share this setback with us. and tell us about your new plans and how you are dealing with this blow . Lots of strength and strength to pick up the work again.

[@blossomhill2117]

Sorry for your heartache. Thanks for sharing. Blossom Hill Nursery Peterborough Ontario

[@russellsmith3825]

My sincere condolences on your loss.

[@jakdoubleduff2054]

I’m struggling to watch this Ian! I’m struggling to find the words to write. You’ve got almost 80,000 supporters around the world thinking of you right now. We’re all hoping that the weather will cut you a break soon.

[@toddknecht2106]

So heartbreaking, I’m at a loss for words! God bless you! Stay positive gods plans are not always ours! Stay safe 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jeffmayerl7149]

Farming can be so heart breaking. Your videos and advice help me become a successful sideliner. I actually look forward to how well you will bounce back from this with a strong queen and nuc rearing season.

[@gregpittard1143]

So sorry for your loss. I have learned so much from you. Thanks!

[@cdewmart]

Hang in there sir. Many are praying for you and the other bee keepers in the north.

[@farmer998]

Sorry for the losses you took , prayers .there is always a reason for things that happen good and bad you may never know what the reason was but know he had one .

[@chucklaizure1442]

OMG, I'm crying over here for your poor bees and your lost efforts, sooooo sorry and sad to see the wet bees. Nice job on not cursing up another storm, I know I would have!!!

[@dawnlalonde2484]

Lived in Flin Flon years ago and back home in Ontario where we’ve started beekeeping. The saying “heavy hearted” is felt when you share with us this loss. Please just know we all are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength needed to carry you through these trying times.

[@shawnjules]

May The LORD BEE with you. Blessed Love.

[@dwyaneengle9621]

I am starting my first hive this year. Been watching your channel for some time now it's been a great help and inspiration to me . This video shows real life and what can happen at any time. Very sad to see the lost you have been hit with. The bees and you will overcome this hit. Thank you for sharing God bless

[@southeasthomestead6093]

There are no words for this. So Sorry this has happened. You are in our prayers

[@rickgregory1]

Having followed your beekeeping daily through the winter, we now all feel something of your loss. Wishing you double digits and blue skies.

[@collaboratingbackstage1156]

I want to cry just looking at this desaster. I keep my fingers crossed for you!

[@play-doughsrepublic5121]

I'm really sorry for your loss. Minnesota beekeeper here.

[@TexasBeekeeper]

Praying for you Ian. Very sorry to hear of all the struggles you're having to go through this year.

[@sjrockey]

So sorry for your loss. I appreciate your "can do" attitude. You are allowed a little "fuss"!

[@marcusrybin9145]

Sorry man for your loss. Once in my beekeeping same way I lost 100 hives. It hurts to much.

[@highlandhoneybee]

How heartbreaking! Prayers for you and your family as you work to overcome all the devastation.

[@gw6376]

Ian so sorry that happened, I didn't know if I could watch this one or not, as it breaks my heart to see this type of situation. You showed how to deal with it in great farmer/beekeeper fashion, work through it and don't stop. Always moving forward showing your true self. God bless and prayers for you and your family.

[@SilverGorilla1776]

I know how you feel Ian. 5 years ago I had a flood take 30 hives with around 50 supers full of comb honey. I was going to harvest the next week. All was lost. The creek that ran through the yard got dammed up by trees. At the time I only had 60 hives. Was devastating.

[@twelvecousins2284]

I watched this last night and was sickened. I watched again this morning to make sure I did not just dream it. What a disaster.

[@robertburgin1688]

Absolutely devastating Ian I couldn't begin to imagine what's happened to your poor bees, its going to take alot of work sorting but your definitely the man for it keep strong really sorry for all your losses

[@michaelfitch3138]

Heartfelt apologies! As all farmers do, keep working your butt off and you’ll get through it. We’ve seen acres of peppers/tomatoes washed away the same way!!

[@TimeIsHoney]

Thanks for giving us the good with the bad Ian. This is heartbreaking to see my brother! Sending good bee vibes that your ladies make a strong come back!!

[@russellkoopman3004]

What a rough spring Ian. It hurts to watch, even seeing that one wet bee at the end struggle to survive all wet and cold. Who else but us weird beeks could care for a little insect. Thanks Ian, I'll stop complaining about the cold weather here in MN.

[@abewall4294]

So hard to watch, and so much emotion. I went through the same thing along the Skeena River and lost a big yard to a flash flood. Hope you have a better year with the coming days of warmer weather.

[@paulfredrickjohnson1]

Oh! This is heartbreaking to watch... prayers and best wishes for you, Ian. And many thanks for all you've given to the beekeeping community.

[@erictavis6403]

Omg. I am so sorry. I feel your pain in your voice. I am so sorry for your loss.

[@sml-bees1824]

Ian, This is horrible. At least you and your family are safe. May the good lord let the weather turn warm and dry things out for you. Craig Fr. VA

[@melaniejenkins109]

That is a heartbreaking video, what a sad sight to see all those dead bees!!!! Truly devastating 😢

[@ewp6505]

Watching this a year later. It proves how tough farmers are! Thanks for showing us the good and the bad

[@sandiriggert5345]

So devastating, sorry for your loss.

[@rodolflinner4201]

Dear Ian im so sad for that ..😢 but im sure the coming days will be better ... i hope that im near you to stand with you and help you ... dont worry you are our hero☺

[@therealbacalao1402]

My heart goes out to you. You’re an inspiration far beyond beekeeping for those of us that aspire to hard work, persistence and endurance in the face of adversity. Thank you for sharing your experienced, triumphs and struggles. You are a beacon in a world of apathy, self indulgence and self pity. Cheers to you Ian and all your family.

[@Blackswan19874]

Even though I do not know you personally after watching your videos it seems to me you are a fighter and have a strong work ethic,as devastating as this has been I would bet my home that you will rebound greatly ! Never, ever give up brother! Praying that God will bless you bountifully beyond what you could imagine!

[@paulmoore8520]

I am so sorry for all your work And time Hopefully you will have a good season

[@johns4584]

That really sucks man, sorry for the loss of your bees and hard work. The loss to the ecosystem alone is devastating.....

[@EnergyhillsBees]

I almost cried watching this. My heart goes out to you. Insane, what you are having to put up with at the moment.

[@Sharki88]

Ян, креппись, труженик ты наш! Дай Бог лето хорошее. ❤

[@lippardr]

I must admit I have tears in my eyes. I'm so sorry my friend.

[@johnengland3887]

Horrendous, what a truly sad sight! Ian, you just keep going, keep going,. You always find the strength,things WILL get better

[@kithiatt3797]

Heartbreaking. I'm so sorry Ian.

[@sinisterhipp0]

11:28 In the U.K. we uses ploughs or heavy disc machinery, not flat bed trucks, it works a lot easier.

[@rodolflinner4201]

Hi sinister from UK

[@scotwiley1189]

Hard to watch. I can't imagine how hard it is to live through. The resilience of farmers like you is inspiring. Praying for you.

[@zedks4227]

Good morning my frined,i wonder when all this problems will end,as i always say beekeepers are like farmers,whatever you do nature will do whatever she wants ....good or bad

[@dp.2766]

Wow y’all are my prayers! Hope you can salvage more than you think at first.

[@paulahello7435]

Just say the word Ian and so many of us would make the trip up north to help in any way we can. You have made us part of all this over the years. Emotionally we are all invested in you. Sincerely and with great admiration we hope things improve quickly for you and your "girls." Massachusetts.

[@MMolchanov]

It's a sad picture, Ian, but God grant that everything will get better! I wish you success in your business and thank you for the information you share.

[@axmanTom]

Tough times don’t last but tough people do!

[@kevinvasquez1843]

Ian, I'm so very sorry. I can't imagine the frustration.

[@trevordavies2829]

Thanks and I’m so sorry.

[@garylashley6640]

Ugh it's terrible to watch but your work ethic and awesome family will pull you through to better days

[@keemanaan1734]

Long time watcher... You are an inspiration to watch through the highs and the lows. Thanks for sharing everything. Best of luck for the rest of the season.

[@ToddJDutt]

My heart immediately sunk for you when I saw that Title pop up in my feed. Bloody hell!

[@primitivedaisy]

Man, you cannot catch a break this year. I’m so sorry, but I know you’ll bounce back, you always do. Good luck! 🐝😊

[@larimorefarms]

Ian, one day at a time brother. May your mind be strong. I hate this has happened. Praying for better days ahead.

[@freddy-fq2fp]

Oh my what devastation you and your bees have gone through. Farming has to be one of the the most difficult of vocations. I have a few hives myself for fun. That is anything but fun. My heart goes out to you.

[@MsTheHymn]

So sorry for your loss, hope you can start again without such problems.

[@robinmartin4464]

I am so sorry, Mr. Steppler. i would send bees if i could. Is there a crowd funding where i can contribute?

[@kathyhathaway8823]

So so sorry for all that has came your way this year . Our thoughts an prayer are with you all that has had this up and down season . Keep your head hi . Thanks for all you do for all bee keepers from everywhere.

[@НиколайЧепурный-х7н]

(en) I'm really sorry for you loss. I'm a beekeeper from Ukraine 💔 (ua) Мені дуже шкода, що ти втратив. Бджоляр з України💔

[@northshoreireland1074]

This is heartbreaking after getting them through all this way and what a struggle it has been for you and then this happens my prayers go out to you. Best wishes for the rest of the season.

[@HoneyCombCottageBeeOfficial]

You’ve got this, Ian. Buddy, you have got this. Wish I could be there to help.

[@bettybogda4819]

Makes me want to cry for you and your bees. So sorry Ian.

[@dearbabyjesus2910]

Wow! I'm so sorry for your loss Ian! Just heart breaking. However, this too you will over come and bounce back brilliantly! May I suggest pontoon style inflatables on the bottoms of your pallets. Or styrofoam blocks to set them on.

[@kevinduffusbeekeeping9804]

Hello Ian, I'm soooo sorry to see this happen. Most of us in Jamaica have less than a 100 hives so to see someone lose over 125 hives is devastating to see. I wish for you a speedy recovery and let's give thanks it was not any worst than this. I watch your channel a lot of times and have learnt a lot from you as one of the most successful beekeeper. Keep up and be strong 💪 🙏

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Ian, I’ll say a prayer for you. I know that’s a kick in the gut.

[@stefanb8635]

I am heartbroken for your losses. I spent the day working and fretting over bees. But, fortunately I didn't have the devastation you are working with. Your composure and determination is inspiring.

[@Rusatik]

Jan, it's a difficult situation. The element of nature. The beekeeper can make a conclusion for himself about the placement of the apiary. Gain strength and there will be a lot of work. From Russia with greetings. Vladimir.

[@meathecopark]

Aw man, what a bummer. Fair play for being able to film and share that awful mess. Hope you’ll quickly climb over this obstacle and it’ll run good! Best of luck from Ireland 🇮🇪 🇨🇦

[@Zeldasmojo]

After going through hurricane Laura in 2020 I can somewhat relate to the helplessness that you are feeling. I hope you have better luck at the year progresses.

[@kmfw1160]

I’m so sorry this happened to you and your bees. I’m dumbfounded at the devastation brother. I’m praying for you.

[@laneunger6645]

Heartbreaking. I’m so sorry. Focus on the things you can control and you’ll be back in it.

[@hhawk6040]

My heart goes out to you, Watched not long after you posted… Glad you were able to pull some out. Sad to think about how the insurance companies deal with this. Wish I was closer I’d put my wet boots on and lend a hand. Sending hugs, dry socks and California desert sun your way.

[@shawnolson6690]

Oh my gosh im so sorry your bees were flooded thats heart breaking the spring has been hard enough without this too god bless our thoughts are with you

[@jasonguerra3763]

I enjoy watching your videos and I started beekeeping last year and I live in southeast texas where the hurricanes seem to be frequent and I keep thinking what I will do if one heads our way I hope everything works out and you are able to recover from this loss cuz I do enjoy your videos

[@Pacorcrull]

Horrible. I’m so sorry to see your bees in such a state. A few more days of rain and then it should dry out

[@donovancoughlin]

each year is a learning year.... can only guess you will not put bees here on a heavy snow year.?.?.?.? So sorry for your loss this is so deflating but thank you for sharing the good the bad and the ugly!!!! What I know about you is that you have built in a back up and in 30-60 day from now youi will be on the rise again and will have more bees then you can handle!!!