The Great Lakes Bee Company (GLBC) in Fremont, Michigan, is hosting its annual bee pick-up day for backyard and professional beekeepers from the Great Lakes region. The event, which will take place on May 13th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kropscott Farm in Fremont, Michigan, is an opportunity for beekeepers to collect five and nine frame nucs from the GLBC, which were sent to pollinate almond crops in California and rebuild hives in Georgia.
The annual bee pick-up event is a sure sign that flowers and crops will soon be ready for pollination. Bees play a vital role in pollinating crops during the spring and summer months. The event will also feature various displays and beekeeping products from vendors throughout the Midwest region.
When the bees return to Fremont, Michigan, they forage on basswood, alfalfa, star thistle, and West Michigan flowers to create 150,000 pounds of Michigan Honey. GLBC sells its honey wholesale to many retail outlets throughout Michigan, including Meijer and Whole Foods, as well as online at thegreatlakesbeecompany.com. The company also offers other products made from their beeswax, including candles, lip balms, creams, soaps, and raw wax, among other items.
The bees are not only responsible for producing honey under the Hasselman brand, but they are also hired to help pollinate various crops, including almonds in January, apricots, sweet cherries, peaches, and plums in April, and tart cherries, pears, blueberries, and apples in May.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of beekeepers from around the Great Lakes region, and it serves as a great opportunity for beekeepers to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another.
Photo Credit: istock-kerem-hanci
Categories: Michigan, Crops, General