Apiary Record Keeping

Download PDF Record here

April 2024

By Leilani Pulsifer 

For any beekeeper, keeping an apiary record is a great way to stay organized, get on top of things, and be prepared for the future. It doesn’t have to be complex; sometimes overcomplicating tasks like this prevents us from doing them in the first place. Keep observations simple at first, and as you become more experienced, you’ll notice other things you want to keep track of over time. Always give yourself time to learn and grow! 

A basic brood inspection includes:  

  1. Colony strength 

  2. Queen presence (and/or eggs)

  3. Brood pattern 

  4. Food stores 

  5. Pests and diseases 

  6. Signs of swarming 

To help you get started with observations, we’ve created this basic template for you to take into your apiary with you. Download it and print it out or fill it out on your phone or computer!  

This record template is a modified version of sample records provided by the Government of Canada. You can find a reference to their records below. 

 

References: 

Government of Canada. (2022). Appendix G: Sample record keeping. In Honey Bee Producer Guide to the National Bee Farm-level Biosecurity Standard. Retrieved from the Government of Canada website: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/biosecurity/standards-and-principles/honey-bee-producer-guide/eng/1378390483360/1378390541968?chap=12.