Colony Loss survey 2023

[JohnF]

For those who entered their data for this survey, the results are now available at

2023 Colony Loss Survey » Manaaki Whenua

Some interesting reading - namely losses appear to have plateaued at this time but varroa continues to be the leading cause of losses.
I'm sure if there are questions then we could encourage Pike to re-join and answer questions.

This survey also contained autumn losses (as well as winter ones) plus has the results of the well-being questions

 

[tristan]

a lot of good interesting data in there.

Commercial beekeepers treated varroa using various combinations of amitraz (Apivar® and Apitraz®), flumethrin (Bayvarol®), and oxalic acid during the 2022/23 season. Indeed, commercial beekeepers are more likely to use each of these treatments than non-commercial beekeepers.

that was a big surprise.
despite the downturn and the lack of $$, they are spending more on varroa control.
what would have been interesting is to know what oxalic treatment they used (or when). also the difference between brands of synthetics.

 

[Alastair]

that was a big surprise.
despite the downturn and the lack of $$, they are spending more on varroa control.

No surprise. You do that, or you are out of business.

Hive numbers in NZ have reduced by close to half over the last several years. My suspicion is many of the ones who are no longer around are the ones who tried cheap skating varroa treatment.

Symptom, or cause?

 

[tristan]

No surprise. You do that, or you are out of business.

Hive numbers in NZ have reduced by close to half over the last several years. My suspicion is many of the ones who are no longer around are the ones who tried cheap skating varroa treatment.

Symptom, or cause?

the chart on factors of varroa loss is interesting. reinvasion being a big one. but is it real or just perceived?
i think its ongoing effect of beeks walking away and big crowds downsizing. the effects will be around for some time to come.