Bayer Research
Our number one priority is finding solutions to all issues facing honey bees today. Whether it’s through innovative technologies or through our ongoing partnerships and education initiatives, such as our annual webinar series, we are constantly searching for ways to improve hive conditions and colony health.
Beekeepers keep bees for lots of different reasons, some for a livelihood, others for the honey, but no matter the reasoning, everyone who works with bees is fascinated by them. New technologies such as hive scales can open new insights into what the bees are doing. In addition to potentially learning more about how our colonies are growing and developing, can hive scales provide us additional information that can inform our beekeeping management?
The scientists with the Bayer Bee Care Program are exploring sensor technologies, like Smart Hives, to help beekeepers monitor the health and production of their colonies.
Healthy Hives 2020, a multi-year, $1 million research initiative, is well on its way to finding measurable and tangible solutions for improving the health of U.S. honey bee colonies by the end of 2020. A diverse group of researchers and scientists are focused on studying critical bee health topics affecting the U.S. beekeeping industry, such as bee nutrition, Varroa and disease management, and enhanced management techniques through smart-hive technology. Leveraging Bayer-funded research grants, the nonprofit pollinator research organization Project Apis m. has led the administration of the program, now in its third year.
The age of 24/7 connection has officially crossed over into the world of beekeeping. Monitoring of honey bee colonies and hive conditions using digital sensor technology is a promising new way to manage beehives. This technology, “Smart Hives,” allows beekeepers to stay connected with their hives and rapidly respond to any needs detected.