Foothills Honey

Beekeeping Trivia 🐝

Did you know that the use of smoke in beekeeping has ancient roots? Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans discovered that gently puffing smoke into hives had a calming effect on bees. 🌬️

This practice made hive inspections safer by disrupting bee communication and reducing the
likelihood of stings.

Meet our local legend, John Wardle 🌿 Nestled in the heart of Oxford, Foothills, he and his wife Rosaline call a vast bush block home, bordering the enchanting Mt Oxford Forest.

John’s passion for New Zealand Beech Trees runs deep, from understanding their ecosystems to the intricate world of the Foothills Black Beech Honey. As an author of reference books and former Canterbury University lecturer, his wisdom is boundless. Grateful to call him a friend!

Cheers to Dale Hanton, a true legend who wrapped up his incredible 10-year journey with us last November. 🎉

From witnessing our humble beginnings to our soaring heights today, Dale’s spirit and dedication have been unwavering. A free-spirited adventurer, he’s conquered roads and continents on his trusty motorcycle.

Here’s to you, Dazzler! Thank you for the unforgettable memories and for being a part of our amazing journey. ☀️

Meet Zeb Meadows, a true adventurer at heart with a passion for adrenaline, from conquering bulls to conquering the gym, he's always sporting a smile. And when it comes to his indulgence, Zeb's got a sweet spot for chocolate milk. 🐂💪🥤

As our junior team member, he's been an invaluable part of the Foothills team for 2.5 unforgettable years. 🌟

Nourishing the spirit following a day's labor harvesting honey under the scorching summer sun.

For a beekeeper, there's nothing quite like a rejuvenating plunge in a cool mountain river – the perfect recharge before heading back home.

The sheer beauty leaves us breathless, gazing at New Zealand's native trees' silhouettes and the enchanting, warm sunrise. There's always something here that makes you pause, reminding us of the privilege of having an office that leaves us in awe of our environment. 🌄🌿

Honey loves apple cider vinegar ❤️

Unlocking the Health Benefits 🍏🍯: Apple cider vinegar & honey have so much to offer!

🌟 Digestive Health: ACV's acetic acid aids digestion, while honey soothes discomfort.
🏋️‍♂️ Weight Management: ACV may reduce appetite, and honey adds natural sweetness.
🍇 Antioxidants: Protect your cells with the goodness of honey and ACV.
🍯 Sore Throat Relief: Soothe irritation with this warm combo.
🩸 Blood Sugar: ACV could help regulate, and honey is a better sweetener.

Remember, moderation is key, and consult a pro for specific health needs. 🙌💚

There is no gender divide on the Foothills team; if it's good enough for boys, it's good enough for the girls.

In this line of work, you may find yourself staying in off-grid huts or swagging out under the stars and that's part of the adventure that attracts us to this lifestyle; it really grounds you, we always leave these places feeling humbled and appreciative of how peaceful it is out here.

Spring Facts! Learn how Bees flourish during this season 🐝

In the world of beekeeping, it's not just about the honey; it's about the sweet bonds we form with our fellow keepers! 🐝💛

Just like bees working harmoniously together in the hive, we beekeepers also thrive when we support, share knowledge, and lend a helping hand to one another. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this community is all about unity and learning together.

In 2016, an earthquake significantly impacted Kaikoura and its vicinity, leading to the destabilisation of certain areas prone to landslides. Each season, we take extensive efforts to reach the secluded Manuka blocks tucked away in the far reaches of high-country stations. In this specific circumstance, we rely on an annual assisting hand from a local farmer in North Canterbury to navigate beyond a substantial limestone obstacle.

Meet Hamish Pavey, the charismatic North Canterbury farmer who's not only a dedicated family man but also an active community volunteer. His farming venture thrives on diverse income streams, and the Manuka share farming seamlessly aligns with this approach. Each season, the Foothills Team brings hives to his farm's remote corners, yielding some of the South Island's finest Manuka honey. Here's to strong partnerships with great folks all across New Zealand!

We don't stick to the 9-to-5 grind; we're out here, transporting bee hives in the late evening.

While our expert team is well-versed and extensively trained in handling Four-wheel drive scenarios, even the most skilled operators may require an SOS when faced with a tricky situation

Honey = Hair Magic 🍯✨: Here's why it's your hair's best friend:

✅ Moisturises & Softens: Honey locks in moisture for softer, more manageable hair.
✅ Adds Shine: Get that natural gloss with honey's help.
✅ Scalp Health: Say goodbye to dandruff and itchiness with honey's antibacterial powers.
✅ Supports Hair Growth: A healthy scalp = happy hair growth.
✅ Strengthens & Repairs: Honey's vitamins and antioxidants work wonders.

Make your own DIY honey hair mask:

🌟 2 tbsp honey
🌟 2 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
🌟 1 tbsp plain yogurt

Mix, apply, and reveal your hair's natural beauty! 💁‍♀️

Nectar of Nature's Gold 🍯 The Manuka flower, a Kiwi icon, not only graces New Zealand's landscapes with its beauty but also plays a vital role in our ecosystem. Its nectar creates the exquisite Manuka Honey, renowned for its health benefits. 🐝💚 Embrace the harmony of nature and wellness as you indulge in this liquid gold, a true gift from Aotearoa. 🌿🇳🇿

Better work stories… How does this compare to your lunchroom views? 😏

Honey bee facts 🐝

Beehive Smokers: Nature's Chill Pill! Smokers are the beekeeper's secret weapon for keeping our buzzing friends mellow. By puffing gentle smoke into the hive, it soothes the bees and helps us do our hive inspections with ease. 🔍 No need to worry, it's not harmful – just a little relaxation trick that keeps both bees and beekeepers happy! 😊

Rise and Shine! Embracing the Beauty of Early Mornings. 🌄

Honey loves the Hot Toddy ❤️

Winter wellness with a unique twist! Make with fresh ginger, dried chilies, premium manuka honey, a splash of whiskey, and a zesty squeeze of lemon and orange, blend into hot water for a truly warming experience.

Winter Survival Tips: ❄️ Honey bees are nature's experts at staying cozy during frosty days! They form tight clusters, shiver to generate warmth, and munch on stored honey. 🍯 Propolis insulation and a pause in brood production are key too! Let's learn from these amazing bees on how to thrive in chilly times! 🐝🌬️

Girl Boss Monz has been with the Foothills team for 5 seasons. She has become an integral part of Foothills, from doing her time in different business units and under the guidance of some very good teachers, she has learned the craft of beekeeping very well. So much so, that she's now one of our operations managers and is teaching others.

Monz is not only passionate about bees, but she is also an avid lover of good food and music. You’ll find her cooking up a storm, or at her favourite local eateries and bars hunting down the best live music.

Beekeeping suits in one form or another have been in use for centuries.
The exact origins and specific dates of when they were first invented are unclear.

However, one notable development in beekeeping occurred in the 19th century when Lorenzo Langstroth, invented the Langstroth hive (the hives present in the first image).

This hive design allowed for easier manipulation of bee colonies and led to the development of more specialised protective clothing, including full-body suits. These suits became more widely used and improved over time to provide better protection against bee stings.

Honeybees typically start leaving their colony to forage and pollinate at around 21 days of age.

Before that, they remain inside the hive performing various tasks such as cleaning, nursing, or guarding the entrance. Once they become foragers, they venture out of the hive to collect nectar, pollen, water, and propolis to bring back to the colony.

The foraging bees play a crucial role in pollination by transferring pollen from the male parts (anthers) of flowers to the female parts (stigma), aiding in the fertilization and reproduction of plants. (Some plants won't even let the pollen go, without the stimulation, buzz, and vibration of the bees entering the flower)

This is Pedja 👋

Hès our Queen Team captain! An expert in genetics, breeding, and queen production for Foothills.

Pedja is originally from Serbia and has been with us for 7 years.
He's into sun gazing, TaiChi, and Motorbikes. 🏍

A hive can produce anywhere between 10 and 100 kilograms of stored honey in a year. However, the amount of honey produced can vary based on the strength and size of the colony, the weather conditions, availability of nectar-producing flowers, and beekeeping practices.

On average, a beehive only stores 1/3 of the honey it collects, using the other 2/3, breeding new bees, sustaining an even inside temperature.

In a honeycomb, there are typically hundreds or even thousands of individual hexagonal cells!

These cells are built by honeybees using beeswax and are used to store honey, pollen, and larvae. The number of combs in a honeycomb structure can vary depending on the size and shape of the hive and the specific needs of the bee colony.