Beekeeping is very challenging because it is seasonal, subject
to climate, bee population and government regulations. The beekeeper needs to
work hard at hive maintenance and changing technology.
It is difficult to make huge income from beekeeping and is
either a part time or a hubby. That is not to say some beekeepers have found
clever ways to increase their yield.
Large companies are better equipped to handle mass
production of honey than small businesses. Beekeepers have two primary sources
of income selling honey and beeswax.
Bees need flowering plants nectar to make honey and
regularly seek such plant. The job is difficult because keepers spend a lot of
time repairing the bee hive, frames, assembling and handling equipment.
The business requires year long monitoring and
maintenance. Honey production is seasonal and stays dormant for up to six
months.
To avoid loss the beekeeper should construct a weather
protected hive and provide sufficient nutrition.
How to
Start a Beekeeping Business
Gain
Experience
You can’t just start a beekeeping business without
adequate knowledge of the job. Gain experience from experienced beekeepers,
books and practical workshops. Beekeeping operation is overwhelming to the
novice and untrained.
Combine your business knowledge and new beekeeping guide
to successful keep the insects happy. Bees thrive in stress free, abundant
conditions with lots of food and water.
A major down side is swarming when the bees move from one
location to the other. Bees live primarily on stored pollen at the end of the
season which lasts six months.
Land
Where to locate your bee hive is slightly challenging
because of government restrictions on beekeeping within municipal limits. There
are only a few areas that permit keeping of bees.
The beekeeper could lease a property, buy land or use an isolated
location. Avoid urban areas and locations close to livestock. You must abide by
restrictions, prohibitions and regulations biding the business.
Build a store house on the land to keep your equipment.
If you don’t have much money store the equipment at your house, garage or tool
shed.
The building is also used for mixing bee feed, repair equipment,
handling and extracting honey.
Equipment
and Supplies
There is a number of equipment you need for beekeeping
business you need a vehicle, hives, fume boards, and queen excluders. Other equipment's are entrance reducers, feeders, robbing screen and bee brush to
mention a few.
Beekeeping equipment is divided into protective wear and
hive maintenance. Here is a list of equipment you will need for your beekeeping
business
`1. Long elbow length gloves are used to prevent bees
from stinging the hand or sleeves
2. Protective Clothing usually white in color
3. Bee Smoker to reduce aggression
4. Veiled hat to prevent the bees from stinging the face
5. A plastic screen called the Queen Excluder fitted with
a mesh. The function is to allow bee workers movement while preventing access to
the queen.
6. Feeders
7. The Hive is where bees build their combs. Each hive is
fitted with a bottom board and cover. The hive is an intricate yet complex mix
of bee glue, ledges, boxes, sheets of embossed beeswax, frames and comb cells.
The combs are used for raising their young and store food
8Transportation
You need transportation to move equipment and produce.
Any rugged truck that can brave difficult terrains will do the job.
9. Bee brush
10. Robbing screens allows ventilation in the hive.
11 Nucleus-Nuc is
a specially designed small hive box
How
to Obtain your Initial Bee Colony
Souring
Bees
Get your breeder stock from other beekeeper or a
functional colony. The bee package should have a resident female to function
properly.
Catching wild swarming bees is not advisable because of
the prevalence of diseases and poor quality stock. You can contact beekeepers
association in your locality or purchase a starter pack from online sources.
Sources
of Income
The beekeepers primary source of income is selling bee
honey. He also makes money from beeswax and crop pollination. Nectar plants aid
bees produce honey therefore its availability in the area you choose to build
your hive is important to the success of your operation.
The quality, color and flavor of the honey they produce are dependent on the type of nectar the bees eat.
Marketing
your Produce
Sell your honey to neighbor’s friends and family. Display
your product at supermarkets, food stores and shops. There are many outlets for
your honey and beeswax find them.
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