Show Notes
After a break for a couple of weeks, Bee’s with Ben is back with episode 93 of the podcast. In the
interim, Ben attended the Australian Bee Congress in Sydney. This was just the fourth event of its
kind, despite the inaugural one being held way back in 1972, but bee enthusiasts will only have to
wait four years for the next congress, and Ben encourages anyone with an interest to take part.
There were some fascinating speakers along with innovative trade shows. A couple of things that
stood out for Ben were plastic ‘nuc’ boxes and research into a pheromone lure for African small hive
beetle. A revolutionary refrigerated method of moving hives, complete with misting systems, will be
the subject of a future podcast! One big talking point surrounded the price of honey on a wholesale
level, as there is plenty of surplus around at the moment; another was the glut of inferior imported
product which is damaging local markets. The congress also represented a great opportunity to
network and meet new people - or to simply put a face to a name. Alex Mazur is a young Ukrainian
who has already enjoyed an extraordinary career with bees, and we were thrilled when he agreed to
participate in this episode of the podcast. Upholding the family tradition, Alex is a fourth-generation beekeeper. After moving to Australia
about three years ago, he spent a year with Warren Taylor’s company, Australian Queen Bee
Exporters, the largest beekeeping business in Australia, with 15 employees managing close to 10,000
hives and producing an incredible 120,000 queens per season. For the last two years he has worked
with another veteran Australian beekeeper, Terry Brown of Browns Bees Australia Beekeeping
Supplies.
Alex says that sunflower honey is the most common variant produced in Ukraine (predictably, given
the widespread cultivation of sunflowers); it is bright yellow in colour and good for creaming as it
crystallises fast. Sunflower honey does not have a strong taste, and apparently is not popular in
Ukraine, with the locals preferring something ‘special’ like manuka or jarrah; Alex explains that often
people don’t understand that quality is more important than variety or brand.
Of course, Australian beekeepers do not have to deal with the ravages of the varroa mite, but one of
the major differences that Alex has experienced is the need to wear protective clothing, which he
usually never did at home, as our bees are somewhat more aggressive.
And his favourite part of the conference? Alex was particularly interested in the honey
‘fingerprinting’ project initiated in WA and thinks that laboratory analysis could potentially be of
great benefit in proving origin and quality and therefore could have a big influence on price.
As a professional beekeeper who is a relative newcomer to our shores, Alex has a unique perspective
on Australian bees and beekeeping, and this makes for an intriguing and informative podcast.
More from Bees With Ben
All good things must (sometimes) pause... and after an incredible journey of conversations, laughter, learning, and buzzing with brilliant guests, this is the final episode of Bees with Ben – at least for a while. In today’s episode, I reflect on the wild ride this podcast has been – from talking bees and biosecurity to sharing stories from the paddock, the lab, and everywhere in between. I’ve had the honour of chatting with amazing beekeepers, scientists, enthusiasts, and friends from around the world – and you, the listeners, have been a huge part of that journey. The truth is, life’s gotten very busy. Between the hives, the honey, the pest control, and being a dad (and sometimes a part-time tow-truck driver when I get bogged on avocado farms), something had to give. And for now, the podcast is taking a well-earned rest. This isn’t goodbye forever – just a little smoke break. So keep the mic warm for me, and who knows – a surprise episode might pop up when you least expect it. Thanks for every listen, share, message, and moment. Keep supporting your local bees, your local beekeepers, and stay curious. With gratitude and a sticky handshake, – Ben 🐝
Guest: Norm Collins – Seven Decades in Beekeeping In this special episode, I chat with Norm Collins, a true pioneer in Australian beekeeping. Once the largest beekeeper in Victoria, Norm recently turned 80, and he joins me to reflect on a lifetime of working with bees. We take a journey back to when Norm received his very first box of bees at just seven years old, and explore how much the world of beekeeping has changed over the past seventy years. From the way hives are managed, to shifting environmental pressures and evolving industry challenges, Norm shares his knowledge, experiences and a few great stories along the way. This episode is a tribute to the past, a nod to the resilience of beekeepers, and a reminder of how much we can learn from those who have spent a lifetime in the field. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your beekeeping community. https://collinshoney.com.au
🎙️ Episode 126 – I’m Back! (Yes, Really!) Welcome back to Bees with Ben – and yes, you heard right… I’M BACK! It’s been a buzzing 12 months since the last episode, and I want to start by saying a huge thank you to everyone who’s stayed subscribed, messaged, or asked, “Where’s the podcast, Ben?” Life got wild – as it often does when you’re juggling bees, business, family, and everything in between – but the mic is back on, and the hive mind is reactivating. In this short but heartfelt solo episode, I check in, catch up, and share what’s been happening behind the scenes. Plus, I give you a sneak peek into what’s coming over the winter months: incredible guests, fascinating beekeeping stories, and some brand-new topics I can’t wait to explore with you. Whether you’re a beekeeper, a bee-lover, or just someone who loves a good yarn – thanks for sticking around. Let’s get this hive humming again. 🐝 What’s Inside: Where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to
Join me on a unique episode of "Bees with Ben" as I take you on a journey to Shepparton!
In this episode, I chat with Sam and Nicholas, the dynamic father-son duo behind Meli Honey. Their journey is a testament to passion, family, and the pursuit of quality. We dive into their fascinating story of importing premium Greek honey to Australia, and how their love for this golden elixir has translated into a thriving business. Just after we wrapped up recording, Sam and Nicholas received the incredible news that Meli Honey had won gold at the London Honey Awards! This accolade is a significant milestone for them and a testament to the exceptional quality of their honey.