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Sweet taste of success

by Marg Seregelyi Producing honey is a buzzing business for Wayne Tonelli. "Anyone can become a beekeeper," says Tonelli, who is in his fourth year of production after deciding to start a beekeeping business as a hobby.
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There is only one Queen Bee per colony

by Marg Seregelyi

Producing honey is a buzzing business for Wayne Tonelli.


"Anyone can become a beekeeper," says Tonelli, who is in his fourth year of production after deciding to start a beekeeping business as a hobby.


"Bees are very efficient and organized," explains Tonelli. "I appreciate that. I'm a very organized person myself."


Wayne Tonelli checks on his hives. Smoke is used to slow the bee's activity when opening up the hives.

The Wanup resident learned about bee research, disease and different species by reading and watching video tapes.


"You (beekeepers) have to be registered with The Ministry of Agriculture and Food)..."


A permit is needed for each location. The hives are government inspected on a regular basis. All beehives are monitored for diseases such as American Foul Brood, which can become infectious to other hives.


An electric fence is placed around the hives to keep bears away.


"When you get more than 50,000 bees in a colony, you can split them to make a new one," explains Tonelli.

There is one queen per colony. She lays thousands of eggs per day. They can be bought or produced within the hive.

Without the queen, the colony dies. Male breeders are called drones. Only the worker bees collect honey.


Tonelli will keep 100 pounds of honey inside the hives in one particular location for the bees to eat during the winter months where the temperature inside can reach 90 F.


Farmers benefit from bees because crops have a higher rate of pollination.


Besides honey, beeswax and resin used to make iodine are other products collected from the hive.


Harvesting the honey will take place in the fall. Watch for the "Honey for Sale" signs on Highway 69 S. near Wanup.


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