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Bees

Honeybees add an estimated $1.6 billion to the Australian agricultural and horticultural industries each year. More than 80,000 commercial hives in Queensland produce around 75 kg of honey per hive annually. Honeybees not only produce honey, but play a vital role in the balance of nature, especially the pollination of agricultural crops, horticultural crops and the household garden. Our favourite foods such as apples, avocadoes, stone fruits, melons and citrus fruits are either highly dependent on, or greatly benefit from, honeybee pollination.

Features

A feral colony of bees in a tree Bee swarms »
Bee pollinating a flower Free beekeeping information sessions »
Beekeeping essentials
Find out what you need to know when considering beekeeping as a hobby or commercial enterprise.
Hive management
Good beekeepers continuously maintain their hives to safeguard their investment and increase or improve honey production.
Diseases and pests
Brood pests and diseases can impact on hives' productivity. Find out what to look for to protect your hives.
Bee swarms
Bee swarms generally occur around the start of spring in September and early October.

Page maintained by Hamish Lamb
Last updated 10 June 2008

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