Beekeepers gather for training in Varroa mite management

BALLINA was one of the key sites chosen to host the National Varroa Mite Management Program with more than 200 beekeepers from across NSW and Queensland attending the three workshops.

It was the final event in a 16-month training course which focused on the external parasitic mite which attacks and feeds on honey bees.

The program is run by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Lismore beekeeper Frewoini Baume and Sydney’s Doug Purdie hosted the event at the Ballina RSL Club.

The session covered understanding Varroa mite and its impacts with the importance of monitoring and treatment thresholds.

There was an integrated pest management program and Varroa and chemical treatment options including organic options.

It also included information on brood location, frame rotation and management in best practice record keeping.

National Varroa Transition to Management Coordinator Tamara Prentice said the workshops have been a success.

“We set ourselves an ambitious target of delivering 110 physical workshops across the country in just over a year,” Ms Prentice said.

“In total we hosted 121 workshops exceeding our expectations, with almost 8000 beekeepers joining us to learn about Varroa mite and how together we can protect and grow Australia’s honey and pollination-dependent industries.”

Ms Prentice said the 8000 beekeepers trained were responsible for the management of more than half of the country’s registered hives.

Seven advanced workshops were also rolled-out aimed at commercial beekeepers.

The workshops explored how commercial operators can mitigate the impacts of Varroa on their business operations.

Ms Prentice said the online training and other resources, such as webinars, factsheets and video case studies remain available via the National Varroa Mite Management Program website.