Somerford
Drone Bee
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2009
- Messages
- 1,733
- Reaction score
- 172
- Hive Type
- national
Hi all
I had a good talk to a farmer (contract farmer) who works over 1000 acres on land I am about to put some hives on about OSR and pollen beetle etc.
He brought me up to speed on the latest RE sprays in OSR & Wheat and it was great to hear he was really aware of the issues - promising to call me in advance and switch the boom off if near the hives in any respect.
The pesticide used for the pollen/flea beetle is only used once when in full flower and then as a last resort and only if populations have reached a critical level. because it is, unfortunately a broad spectrum pesticide (IE Kills all insects DEAD) it is sprayed as a last resort and only 1st thing or last thing at night.
In the past 3 years he hasn't had to use it either.
Now onto to wheat - there is a similar spray used on wheat to stop a pollen beetle that is sometimes used (although bees don't obviously forage wheat, only surrounding margins) but he said he had planted a different variety close to existing bees on the other side of the farm that didn't need this spray which was really encouraging !
Lastly, next year he is planting a huge amount (for him) of clover leys and nectar secreting plants to accomodate the new stewardship scheme the farm is entering as the old one runs out this year - (HLA/HSS scheme ?? I know not which) which should be very useful as all surrounding farmers are also doing the same.
If anyone has anymore info on the scheme, please let us know, but hope the above is helpful to one and all.
regards
S
(PS - he said he is terrified of bees, so will be keeping well clear !!!)
I had a good talk to a farmer (contract farmer) who works over 1000 acres on land I am about to put some hives on about OSR and pollen beetle etc.
He brought me up to speed on the latest RE sprays in OSR & Wheat and it was great to hear he was really aware of the issues - promising to call me in advance and switch the boom off if near the hives in any respect.
The pesticide used for the pollen/flea beetle is only used once when in full flower and then as a last resort and only if populations have reached a critical level. because it is, unfortunately a broad spectrum pesticide (IE Kills all insects DEAD) it is sprayed as a last resort and only 1st thing or last thing at night.
In the past 3 years he hasn't had to use it either.
Now onto to wheat - there is a similar spray used on wheat to stop a pollen beetle that is sometimes used (although bees don't obviously forage wheat, only surrounding margins) but he said he had planted a different variety close to existing bees on the other side of the farm that didn't need this spray which was really encouraging !
Lastly, next year he is planting a huge amount (for him) of clover leys and nectar secreting plants to accomodate the new stewardship scheme the farm is entering as the old one runs out this year - (HLA/HSS scheme ?? I know not which) which should be very useful as all surrounding farmers are also doing the same.
If anyone has anymore info on the scheme, please let us know, but hope the above is helpful to one and all.
regards
S
(PS - he said he is terrified of bees, so will be keeping well clear !!!)
