January 2026
Happy New Year, wishing you a great year in your beekeeping.
The next Bendigo branch meeting is on Wednesday the 4th of February at the Lakeside Hotel 286 Napier Street Bendigo.
Meeting from 7pm and meals from 6pm, please email Peta bbvaasecretary@gmail.com if you are having a meal, by the first Monday of the month.
I am looking forward to catching up, hearing news and learning from fellow beekeepers experiences, anyone interested in bees, beekeeping is most welcome to attend.
The variable daily temperatures going from hot to cold has resulted in a greater number of swarms, and swarms continuing much deeper into summer around Bendigo than I have observed in previous seasons.
This could be a result of ongoing spring type conditions with the temperature fluctuations, or better resources available and the bees believing that this season is providing greater opportunities for reproduction and survival. I feel that it is the former at this stage, due to weather patterns rather than greater nectar and pollen availability.
With the dry conditions in suburbia my apiaries have required more regular water top ups since Christmas, so please ensure that you have a secure and safe water source available for each apiary, and check regularly.
Central Victoria is extremely dry, and trending towards higher temperatures, please be mindful of Total Fire Bans and High Fire Danger days. Particularly be aware of smoker use, smoker placement, transporting your smoker, extinguishing smokers, driving in long grass, parking vehicles in grassland areas, and your own hydration.
Take care,
Jamie Trimby