Mid Winter Odds & Ends at Blue Ridge Honey Company

Mid winter colony feeding, additional wood working equipment, transporting honey and more.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I understand what that wind sound in cold weather feels

[@hamburghoney]

Its all relative Bob. We chuckle when you say it is 15 degrees and cold there, when it is -20 here in Wisconsin, but in summer when it is 105 there we whine when it is 90 here.

[@robertstwalley3662]

Never had a table saw until I started beekeeping. Sold off or wore out all the purchase equipment except for one top cover. running around 25 colonies on all my own built equipment other than frames that I still purchase. Thanks for the update Bob, it is always good to hear your voice, no matter who's channel you are on.

[@timfeckley1689]

Ian is rubbing off on you popping lids when it’s cold!😂

[@bobbinnie9872]

😳 Oh no!!

[@DavidDavis-pm6qz]

We removed our OA pads this week for the same concerns about it breaking the cluster over winter. We run 1 deep and 1 medium in north Texas.

[@aileensmith3062]

Glad to hear that some of you Beekeepers had a positive year and getting lots of honey. We had a ZERO harvest this year. Really hoping (praying) for some moisture and honey for us in 2024!

[@bobbinnie9872]

👍

[@heavymechanic2]

Last winter I had a cover blow off a nuc and it survived in very cold weather. I'm feeding sugar once a month to some nuc colonies started in the fall. You are right about the bees on top starving, the light colonies need more resources.. I still have honey while people told me its hard to find, some people also told me it was swarm central last summer. Other people told me there was a starvation problem last spring after transitioning back to winter.

[@filipvernica258]

Nice to hear from you happy new year

[@thebeesmith9746]

Good morning Bob! Always nice to watch your Sunday morning videos. I'm also in a windy area. At times it grates on my nerves.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Good Morning!

[@ColDesignLLC]

Hi Bob, greetings from Michigan. Thank you for sharing your winter experience with the bees; it's truly encouraging. We've had a tough week here. I hope everything is fine with my bees; I can't even inspect the hives due to snow and low temperatures. Looking forward to spring!

[@lenturtle7954]

Its -15c or 5 F Here in White Fox Sask . That wind makes it horrible Its calm here . I FEEL YOUR PAIN Thanks for the video . Len

[@outofbabylonhomestead3551]

i completely understand what you mean about being ready for spring. As i get older, the winters seem to get harder. We had -32f last week here in north idaho. i checked my 10 colonies today at +32f and all were alive and active, even some cleansing flights. I slid them together in groups of 5 and surrounded and covered them with hay bales in november. just gotta get em through the starving months now. Thanks for your videos

[@MagnoliaSpringsFarm19]

I'm ready for spring too!

[@bobbinnie9872]

😎

[@dadu63]

I started selling pollen a few years ago but definitely not like blue ridge. Lol. Thanks for sharing Bob!

[@jodygucwa8892]

Hi Bob Jody from Michigan. Thank you for showing your new saw. That was a good deal. It will make the job of cutting plywood much easier on the guys. As well as making the wood shop more productive. Have a great day.

[@dcsblessedbees]

Ya sound a bit stuffed up Bob,maybe it's just the cold morning. 😁Looks like you got bees Bob, I'm missing mine. Day by day Spring is coming have a wonderful day Bob, Blessed Days... I'm getting me some Caucasians this Spring from Old Sol Apiaries, I'm looking forward to seeing how much propolis they make up here in SW WA. Nice saw Bob. grats, it's always fun to hear from your semi guy.👍Bob remember that add-on for storage, I don't think it was large enough you may need another building.

[@sharonc.2207]

This is my first winter with bees. Last weekend it got down to negative 9 F. For more than 5 days in a row it was negative temps. I have two hives with hot boxes and candy boards, and they were treated with the oxalic vap in December and mites are very low/nil. So i hope those babies made it! I am going out there next weekend to check on them because the temps should become more reasonable by then. (Northwest Missouri)

[@sharonc.2207]

Bob you give me hope. 😊

[@framcesmoore]

Ha Bob really enjoyed the video, I look forward to seeing them every Sunday, you looking inside your hives was really good that encouraged me that maybe mine are still living as well. They are not use to this kind of weather well I am not either. but it wont kill me like it will kill them. We are to go up to 60 thursday so going to make my rounds like you just did checking food and for life, I thinking about hitting them again with oa hope u have a blessed day and week I hope your web store gets finished soon looking forward to seeing it and it will intice me to be buying more equipment Thanks again

[@timlewis9873]

Love your shop vids. Bob. Enjoy.

[@CHRIS_BASSETT]

With that wind, sounded like a good day to fly a kite🥶. Love that table saw👍

[@bobbinnie9872]

Probably would have lost the kite. 👍

[@denb7181]

Cold all over the country I am in Michigan Upper Peninsula and we had 6 days in a row of below 0 weather the coldest I had was 24 below fahrenheit with 30 mph winds Thanks for your videos I really enjoy them .

[@bobbinnie9872]

You have my condolences. 😳

[@markbooth8458]

Hello Bob. It's been cold here also, but it's supposed to be in the 60's at the end of the week. So far I like those fondant patties that you showed. I think the bees don't have to process fondant unlike a brick of sugar. I think some of my colonies here. Have a little bit of brood and some don't. Spring is around the corner.

[@lindseyhomesteadfarm2653]

We are over the snow and frigid temperatures here in Dandridge as well!!

[@NevadaBeeMan-nq3po]

Bob that’s interesting what you said about pollen being a good seller … I met Brett Adee at the last bee wreck I went to and we talked for about two hours .. I mentioned to him that if I could find away to make a living off bees without getting into the pollination game I wanted to try it and his response was to try producing pollen he said there was a high demand for it

[@christopherw4527]

4500.00 bucks? Oh yeah. That is a steal of a deal. No doubt about it. You could use it for two seasons, sell it and still come out ahead. Good on John for finding that for you.

[@jimwaldele9084]

morning bob,, im up north ohio way n yes sir it was pretty cold i think 6 was the coldest, but im here to tell ya were cold to,, but its winter time n we deal with it,, you be safe and have a good 1,

[@FlemingTeaSC]

Good morning Bob, really enjoyed Beekeeping Bootcamp yesterday, hope you’re feeling better! James Fleming MD, Florence, SC

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks. It was a pleasure meeting you.

[@billboelter7994]

Feel your pain on the cold weather bob !!! 🥶

[@RB-cz5jn]

Thank you

[@bee.packages]

Good job 👍

[@robertdemers5125]

Good Morning Bob !

[@bobbinnie9872]

Good morning sir!

[@bryanbetournay5557]

Great Video Bob. Really appreciate the time you spend on your channel. Your weather is colder then ours for right now. Day it is only -3C Tomorrow will warm up a little more. Have a great week. Look forward to your next video.

[@johnkese8953]

Bob…. With all the honey drums you buy, do you sell it ALL in the store, or you wholesale some (in bottles) to other retailers???? If through your store…. That’s a LOT OF HONEY JARS!!! Ps… I bought some sour wood honey from last year AND this year… to compare the taste. As you said there is a slight difference between one year and fresh sourwood honey…but I could not tell the difference….both DELICIOUS!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks. We sell retail in our store and on the website, wholesale by the case and bulk in buckets and drums.

[@burleybeeyard]

Gong to drive up from central MS to watch you speak in Nashville next month. Looking forward to that talk.

[@bizzdavid]

Where is Bob speaking at in Nashville?

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to it.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Nashville Area Beekeepers Association "NABA Advanced Education for Sideline Beekeepers" Feb 24. @@bizzdavid

[@JeffLatta-km9uu]

It sounded really cold during your video. Do you make your on sugar patties or buy them. I am using a candy for mine 2 hives. Enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks. In this case we are using Strong Microbials sugar fondant patties with probiotics and Apis Biologix.

[@josephkuder]

We had a panel saw in the sign shop i worked in we cut sheets of MDO and other stuff

[@rtxhoneybees]

It looked like those clusters were hugging the edge of the paper on those patties. Maybe they are trying to tell you something.

[@carlsledge3868]

I use the rotten 2 way pallets Seth sold me, propted up as wind breaks to help keeo the cold wind out

[@harrisjoubertwithsleepycre1924]

We just got over our cold snap here in Western Oregon. Now we're back to torrential rain. Years of working in this weather have gotten to me to be more like the bees, if it's not 60° and sunny I don't want to come out of the house. Wish that was an option

[@drliptak1]

The saw looks great. I'll pass along a picture to my friend J. The small colonies with the fondant, going into winter, how many frames of brood/food originally? I am interested to see how long you will get out of one Strong patty before replacement. See you soon. T

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Tim. Many of the singles went into winter broodless period with only 20 to 30 pounds. They used up excessive stores in fall when it was warm plus we weren't keeping up with feeding well enough (my fault). I expected to be doing this so I wasn't too concerned. The doubles are still plenty heavy.

[@BrianJMader54476]

Wisconsin 👍

[@carlsledge3868]

Well it's first new moon since winter solstice with day hours on the increase, that's what triggers the bees to start the spring build-up, depending on your location and pollen flow and how much pollen your bees still have stored back, this become a crucial factor as they begin to replace the older bees that are dying off from age, that's why many dead outs occur during late February/early March they have too much brood to feed with little coming in because the flying force is just too small to keep up so they starve

[@liviotassse]

Hi Bob. The fondant patties during winter will not cause colony to start the activity and the queen to lay eggs?

[@bobbinnie9872]

With these bees perhaps a just bit but I don't expect anything big until pollen starts to come in.

[@jr5218]

Bob, do you feel it’s ok to do and oxalic treatment with a fondant feeding patty in the hive at the same time. Thanks for your comments. JR

[@bobbinnie9872]

I believe so considering it has been deemed OK to use during a flow and with supers on.

[@jr5218]

@@bobbinnie9872 Thanks as always. jr

[@ericklingele661]

Bob is this you first year using the Strong Microbial Patties? What do you think of them?

[@bobbinnie9872]

This is my first time using any sugar patty. I do like the idea of having probiotics and Apis Biologix in the Strong Microbial.

[@craizihorse3230]

I always put a polen trap during the fall, and I mix that polen with the sugar party, so my queen keeps laying eggs all winter long

[@standsure2639]

Bob. Do you have a good recipe for sugar cakes instead of fondant. Iv read some use vinegar and some use water. Your thoughts?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I've not used vinegar yet so can't say but you might like to watch ""Wet Pack Method" - Kent Williams Recipe" kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX-biqeKZr-HhJY

[@bradgoliphant]

Bob do you prefer the fondant from Strong Microbials over the one from HiveAlive?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I have not used either one until using the Strong Microbial this winter. I would say that they are both probably good.

[@amfarmsllc5624]

Curious if you purchased this from Sam Sprouse at Charleston woodworking school?

[@bobbinnie9872]

No, it was a flooring company. I don't recall the name at this moment.

[@timHclem]

Thanks for the video! Do you have to process pollen in any way (freeze dry?, etc.)?

[@bobbinnie9872]

The pollen we are using comes to us already dried. If it wasn't we would have to dry it by or refrigerate it.

[@timHclem]

@@bobbinnie9872 thank you!

[@cuidandodasabelhasapicultura]

Belo trabalho sucesso 🤝👍🇧🇷

[@jcs6347]

Question Bob: What was the brand of that sugar patty? and do you carry it in the store? Thank you.

[@bobbinnie9872]

It is Strong Microbial with probiotics and Apis Biologix and yes we carry it in our store. A box of 40 one pound patties is $114.07.

[@jcs6347]

@@bobbinnie9872 Thanks Bob, I will order it in the morning|! Thank you and take care

[@jcs6347]

@@bobbinnie9872 thanks Bob, I ordered a box from your store.

[@kmichal9648]

Bob. What is the reason for feeding uives that have enough stores? You are pro but I would wait a month.

[@schammond8993]

Winter weather in Northern Georgia is a roller coaster. They can empty a full honey super by January with our crazy weather. I sure don't claim Bob's knowledge or experience but my motto is better safe than sorry. It's emergency feed just in case. I'm in NW Georgia. Bob is more NE. Real close to the same weather.

[@kmichal9648]

@@schammond8993 I somehow rather overfeed and not disturb bees

[@bobbinnie9872]

All of those single story colonies will need more food at some point this winter/spring. All of our double deep colonies didn't receive it because they are heavier.

[@stanleylewandowski130]

Hi Bob. How come you don't use stainless steel drums for honey? Maple syrup is mostly in stainless steel drums.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I'm sure they would be better but at this point I'm going along with everyone else and using the industry standard food grade drums.

[@MickeyCarvalho]

I'm in Vermont and I am not liking the winters hope the girls make it through it

[@bobbinnie9872]

Good luck.

[@RonVanBibber]

Bob, after emptying the drums. How do you clean out the drums to reuse?

[@bobbinnie9872]

We wash them out with very hot water as soon as they are emptied and perhaps again before using.

[@KalebLongBees]

I have some scrap treated plywood. What do you think of using that for beehive lids?

[@bobbinnie9872]

Perhaps paint over the treated surface so bees have minimal exposure.

[@anabelaramos8399]

Here in south Europe we are already puting traps all around the yard and some were being very carefully inspected. I have 2 huge monsters with boys coming and going. About a week ago finally really bad weather started and now lots of sun, I hope they don't start having crasy ideas again. The others are ok for January, lots of brood but not too much. In your area you have a period without brood which must be healthy for them.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Yes, the broodless period is good and also allows us to do very affective mite treatments.

[@waynebecker7565]

I don't like the cold either any more

[@danielweston9188]

Low was 52f last night here.......

[@donbearden1953]

The truck driver ask if you ship honey to like FL if ordered on the website, I ordered some Sourwood from you 2 days ago to ship to my home in AL. I had to order it on the phone because sourwood was not on the website Friday afternoon.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Yes, we made very little so no point in having it on the website.

[@ishaksoukkou4195]

Do you have lunch with ska syrup in these cold days or not

[@bobbinnie9872]

No, I don't know what that is.

[@jimhegarty9561]

Bob, Could you identify the brand/manufacturer of the patty on the hive? Thank you.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Strong Microbials "Super Fuel Probiotic Sugar Fondant".

[@jimhegarty9561]

Thank you.@@bobbinnie9872

[@alhambraorchardapiary4882]

That wind was brutal

[@bobbinnie9872]

😬

[@ishaksoukkou4195]

Give me the video link for the manufacture of protein paste for bees

[@bobbinnie9872]

www.mannlakeltd.com/feeding-medications/pollen-substitutes-protein/

[@JoshuaSandoval-o3i]

I'm receiving medium frame nucs but I plan on running double deep colonies I'm having trouble finding info on best ways to introduce those bees into deep boxes can anyone give any suggestions please

[@bobbinnie9872]

Simply put them in a medium box and put a deep over it. As they expand they will tend to go up. As you add boxes leave the medium on the bottom. Next spring it will most likely have contain no brood and minimal food and you can remove it.

[@JoshuaSandoval-o3i]

​@@bobbinnie9872wow thanks for second of your time greatly appreciated....

[@waynebecker7565]

Got rain coming to New York at the end of the week

[@bobbinnie9872]

We all need that too.

[@jamesbarron1202]

Bob can you give us a update on the speech Greg Rogers gave at the Honeybee Conference on the extended release OA sponges?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I don't know of an update yet. I'm sure much more will come of this though.

[@jamesbarron1202]

@@bobbinnie9872 I’m meaning the video you put out recently with him. I wanted to know what he said about his results with it during his conference speech.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Fairly good results. The recipe is basically Randy Oliver's but the study showed even better results when the Swedish sponges were cut in half meaning four smaller strips rather than two larger strips. Many people are looking at this and I believe we'll see it being used a lot. We did it last year with benefit but I have not mentioned it in a video yet. @@jamesbarron1202

[@jamesbarron1202]

@@bobbinnie9872 that’s actually what I’ve been doing myself. I figured they’d travel over it more being cut in half into 2 smaller pieces. Especially in the horizontal Langstroths I use, since they aren’t traveling up through stacked boxes. My bees are for pollination purposes only and I don’t remove their honey for consumption so I’m not worried about experimenting.

[@richardhyatt-beekeeping]

I'm surprised the Walmart yard hasn't been attacked by bears during the warmer parts of the season. I know they are often in Clayton, just a mile away.

[@bobbinnie9872]

That's one reason I stop in there often. So far so good. Also, you may be interested to know that Jeff Duvall told me he may be leasing the section north of the light to Raceway.

[@richardhyatt-beekeeping]

I guess that means Raceway will move, maybe another station. Hum. @@bobbinnie9872

[@markepping2307]

Hey bob i got 1 drum of honey wish i could have sent it out with Spencers load i live like 4 miles from his shop

[@bobbinnie9872]

Maybe next year.

[@russellkoopman3004]

Always investing and making the company grow. Econ. 101 - don't run out of product to sell. LOL Good advice. In the seedcorn business producers always try to have about a 30% carryover in case of a bad production year.

[@bobbinnie9872]

First time I'll be doing it. I couldn't afford it in the past.👍

[@bogsergbog]

Привет из России. Очень интересные ваши видео.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Спасибо

[@bogsergbog]

@@bobbinnie9872 пожалуйста. Вообще забавно, не поленились же ответ перевести)))

[@bogsergbog]

@@bobbinnie9872 у вас помадка интересная, она из глюкозы и фруктозы сделана? Мы из сахарной пудры делаем.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Сахароза@@bogsergbog

[@bogsergbog]

@@bobbinnie9872 хорошей зимовки вам. У нас сегодня снег выпал, осталось февраль и март пережить.

[@colingunn4822]

LoL cool... But us north peope just die with your summer heat. What we are born to.

[@Mackabees]

-1 in SWOhio