The buzz at O'Brien's: Local farm now cultivating bees

There's a buzz in the air at O'Brien's farm — and it's coming from thousands of honey bees.

This summer, the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association set up several hives at the back of the St. John's farm.

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Beekeeper Gerard Smith says the hives have already been extremely successful.

"We started in July with nucleus colonies, a lot smaller colonies than these, but they've built up so quickly that they're in full mode right now to go through winter," he said.

The bees are currently being used to help pollinate the area, but Smith said he hopes to start a honey crop in the coming years.

O'Brien's approached the beekeeping association about setting up hives on the farm last year.

"This a perfect fit for us because the forage out here is great," said Smith.

"The bees are coming and going, there's a lot of activity on the boards. Even today around 10 C where you wouldn't usually see a lot of activity, bees are going out and they're still bringing back pollen, so that's a really good sign."

Healthy bees a Newfoundland advantage

While bees in other parts of North America are plagued with pests and diseases, bees in Newfoundland are healthy and thriving.

Smith said this gives local beekeepers an advantage when it comes to honey production.

"You have to treat [diseased bees] with antibiotics and that will come through in the honey," he said.

"We have a powerhouse right here for honey in Newfoundland, so I'd say our honey is differentiated in that way."

Smith said the association wants to cultivate 600 hives in the province so it can begin exporting local honey.

In addition, the association is aiming to export healthy local queen bees to help form healthy colonies elsewhere in Canada by next year.