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VAA Australian Bee Journal | New Look. New Brand. Same authoritative voice for Victorian beekeepers. The VAA Australian Bee Journal has been one of the most important forums for ideas, conversation and learning for Victorian beekeepers for over 108 years. Hopefully you have received the September issue of the VAA Australian Bee Journal. A team of recreational and commercial beekeepers and magazine publishing experts has been working closely with ABJ Editor, Kris Fricke, over the past couple of months to redesign the VAA ABJ with the our new brand. The magazine is included as a PDF for every member of the VAA and is sent via email towards the end of each month. VAA members and members of the general public can also subscribe to the magazine in print format. Print subscriptions for members are $50 for 12 issues. This fee which helps defray the cost of printing and postage. For non-members, the annual subscription price is $90. You can purchase a subscription online at our website or by contacting the VAA at vaa@vicbeekeepers.com.au. If you are a member and haven't received your PDF via email, check your spam folder just in case. Also double check that you have email communication from the VAA enabled on your VAA profile. If in doubt, never hesitate to email us or call us at 0498 261 260. Here are some of the great articles waiting for you in this month's issue of the ABJ.
If you have story ideas for the ABJ, please contact Kris Fricke at editor@vicbeekeepers.com.au |
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Ag-Chemical Working Group For the past several months, the VAA has been collaborating with Agriculture Victoria on an Apiary Industry Action Plan regarding chemical use. Through this collaboration, we are able to advise AgVic on the impact of regulations and chemical use guidelines on beekeepers' ability to effectively manage varroa. There are two important recent changes from our work with AgVic. Both provide greater flexibility for beekeepers developing integrated Varroa management programs. 1) Formic Acid: Beekeepers are now permitted to use single pad applications of Formic Pro as part of a complete treatment plan. This creates a flexible, measured method to suppress mite populations without overwhelming colonies in a wider range of temperatures and variable seasonable conditions. 2) Thymol Dosing: Beekeepers are now permitted to apply a 1/2 does of Apiguard on hives. This offers a safer and more adaptable alternative for integrated pest management. This Ag-Chem Industry Action Plan working group will continue to meet regularly. We welcome feedback from Victorian beekeepers on issues and challenges they face with respect to using varroa treatment chemicals so that we can continue to advise regulators and deliver positive outcomes for our industry. With miticide resistance now detected in Victoria, access to effective, practical and legally compliant treatment options is increasingly important. There is considerably more work to do, and the VAA will continue advocating for practical treatment pathways, clear guidance and responsible chemical use. We would like to thank Matt Petersen, Richard Collins and Lachlan Goode for representing Victorian beekeepers on this working group. |
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With Varroa endemic across Victoria, the safe and responsible use of chemicals by beekeepers is more important than ever. Melbourne Polytechnic has developed a skill set course based on agriculture chemicals that has been adapted specifically for beekeepers. This pilot course us being offered over two days in October. For eligible applicants, this course is available through the Free TAFE Program. See details below. Learn more about the Free TAFE Program Find out about Free TAFE eligibility requirements. Ready to apply? Please complete this short intake form and someone from Melbourne Polytechnic will contact you. For more information, you can contact Melbourne Polytechnic at ShortCourses@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au  |
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Your Hive Needs You! VAA volunteers make everything possible. We need your help to hold another successful Melbourne Royal Show in 2026. We have fun, flexible and rewarding options available.
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- Bump-Out Volunteers: Bump-out volunteers help us take apart the VAA booth equipment and pack up any remaining honey. It's satisfying, physical work with a real team spirit — and a fantastic way to meet other members. There are light jobs and tasks that require some elbow grease and you can take the work at your own pace.
BUMP-OUT: Monday 05 October 10:00am to 4:00pm
All Melbourne Royal Show volunteers also receive 25% off any of the products for sale in the booth. We have some of the best honey available in Victoria including the gold medal Comb Honey from 2026 and the Grand Champion Honey from this year's Victorian Apiculture Awards.
Volunteer Coordinator: Peta Dawe
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VAA Swarm Collectors Map VAA publishes a swarm map on the website with details of members (voluntary) who are willing to collect swarms and cutouts (paid and unpaid). This maps shows the phone number, email and location (accurate at postcode level not to specific address), together with a note as to the service provided. The information is sourced from the member profile in the website database. If you are on the swarm collector map, please sign in and update your profile with appropriate details as we are about to update the map for the new swarm season. If you would like to start collecting swarms, you need to go into your VAA profile and check the Swarm Collection field and make sure your other details are up to date. Note that it is not necessary to opt out. Only profiles with swarm collection entries are included. Please don't add entries saying you don't collect swarms, just leave the field blank. |  |
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Bendigo Branch Field Day Harcourt, VIC | Sunday 11th October | 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Mark your calendar and register now. Early bird tickets now available online!
For more information contact bbvaasecretary@gmail.com |
