Beekeepers Nazar Pukshyn and Herman Van Reekum check a mini mating box left in the field for days so virgin queen bees can find mates. Carol Patterson photo.
We’re excited to share that the Calgary Herald has just published an article about the Bee Cube®, calling attention to the beekeeping revolution happening right here in Alberta. Even better — the article is appearing in newspapers across the country, putting our innovation in front of a national audience.
This coverage is a proud milestone for our team. It highlights how far we’ve come:
Over 700 queens and 100 nucs produced this season.
A government-funded research project underway to house queens in banks at scale.
Breakthroughs in artificial insemination of queens, strengthening our ability to scale.
The first Bee Cubes® sold and a strong sales pipeline for 2026 that includes solar farm operators, commercial beekeepers, and the University of Saskatchewan.
Our next goal is ambitious but achievable: produce and sell 8,000–10,000 queens and 1,000 nucs in 2026 while scaling Bee Cube® sales to 30–50 units. By 2029, we aim to reach 35,000 queens annually, building a reliable, domestic supply of bees for Canada and reducing our dependence on imports.
This national media spotlight confirms what we’ve known all along: the Bee Cube® is changing the way Canada thinks about beekeeping.
Thank you for being part of this journey — whether as supporters, customers, or partners. The buzz is only getting louder, and we’re just getting started.
Beekeeping has always been a fascinating blend of tradition and nature’s marvels. But what if I told you that the age-old craft of tending to bees is undergoing a high-tech makeover? Yes, the buzz around innovative beekeeping technology is real, and it’s transforming how we care for these vital pollinators. From smart hives to AI-powered monitoring, the future of beekeeping is not just about honey anymore - it’s about sustainability, precision, and protecting our environment.
The Rise of Innovative Beekeeping Technology
Imagine a world where your beehive talks to you. Sounds like science fiction? Well, it’s becoming a reality. Innovative beekeeping technology is reshaping the way we manage hives, making it easier to monitor bee health, productivity, and environmental conditions without disturbing the colony.
These advancements include sensors that track temperature, humidity, and hive weight, giving real-time data to beekeepers. This means no more guesswork or invasive inspections that stress the bees. Instead, you get precise insights delivered straight to your smartphone or computer.
Why is this important? Because bees are sensitive creatures, and small changes in their environment can signal big problems. Early detection of issues like disease, pests, or queen failure can save entire colonies. Plus, with climate change affecting flowering patterns and weather, having smart tools helps us adapt quickly.
Smart beehive equipped with sensors for monitoring
How Smart Apiaries Are Changing the Game
Smart apiaries are the next step in beekeeping evolution. These setups integrate multiple hives with cloud-based platforms, allowing beekeepers to oversee entire operations remotely. Whether you manage a few hives in your backyard or run a commercial apiary, this technology scales to your needs.
Some key features include:
Automated data collection: Sensors gather continuous data on hive conditions.
AI analysis: Algorithms detect patterns and alert you to potential problems.
Remote control: Adjust hive parameters or open/close entrances without physical presence.
Sustainability tracking: Monitor environmental impact and optimize practices.
One standout example is the Bee Cube®, a smart hive system designed to protect honeybee populations while enhancing productivity. It combines cutting-edge sensors with sustainable materials, aiming to revolutionize beekeeping across North America.
The beauty of these systems is that they empower beekeepers to make informed decisions quickly. Instead of reactive management, you get proactive care that benefits both bees and your bottom line.
Modern apiary featuring smart hives with integrated technology
What is the New Technology for Beekeeping?
So, what exactly is this new technology making waves in the beekeeping world? Let’s break it down:
IoT Sensors: Tiny devices placed inside hives measure temperature, humidity, sound, and even bee movement. These sensors provide a detailed picture of hive health.
AI and Machine Learning: By analyzing sensor data, AI can predict issues like swarming or disease outbreaks before they happen.
Automated Hive Management: Some systems allow remote control of hive components, such as ventilation or entrance gates, optimizing conditions without disturbing bees.
Data Dashboards: User-friendly apps and platforms display hive metrics in real-time, making it easy to track trends and respond promptly.
Sustainable Materials: New hive designs use eco-friendly materials that improve insulation and durability, reducing environmental impact.
These technologies work together to create a seamless beekeeping experience. For example, if a sensor detects a drop in hive temperature, the system can alert you immediately, allowing you to check for queen issues or cold stress. Or, if AI spots unusual buzzing patterns, it might indicate pest infestation, prompting early intervention.
The integration of these tools means healthier bees, higher honey yields, and less guesswork. Plus, it supports broader goals like biodiversity conservation and food security.
Beekeeper monitoring hive data remotely using a tablet
Practical Tips for Embracing Beekeeping Innovations
Ready to dive into the world of smart beekeeping? Here are some actionable recommendations to get started:
Start Small: If you’re new to technology, begin with one or two smart hives to learn the ropes.
Choose Reliable Systems: Look for products with good reviews, solid customer support, and proven accuracy.
Integrate Gradually: Combine traditional methods with tech tools to maintain a hands-on connection with your bees.
Monitor Regularly: Use data dashboards daily to spot trends and catch problems early.
Stay Educated: Follow updates in beekeeping technology and attend workshops or webinars.
Prioritize Sustainability: Opt for eco-friendly hive materials and practices that support bee health long-term.
By blending innovation with tried-and-true techniques, you’ll create a thriving apiary that’s both productive and resilient.
The Future of Beekeeping: A Collaborative Buzz
As we look ahead, the potential for technology to safeguard honeybee populations is immense. The challenges bees face today - from habitat loss to pesticides and climate change - require smart solutions that combine science, technology, and community effort.
The beekeeping innovations emerging now are more than gadgets; they represent a shift toward sustainable stewardship. By embracing these tools, we’re not just improving honey production; we’re protecting a vital link in our ecosystem and food supply chain.
So, are you ready to join the revolution? The hive is buzzing with possibilities, and with the right technology, we can ensure that bees continue to thrive for generations to come. Let’s keep the buzz alive - together.
Happy beekeeping and may your hives always hum with health and happiness!
This summer, we've been absolutely thrilled with the success of our queen rearing operation right inside one of our Bee Cubes®. It's been an incredibly effective platform, and we owe a huge part of this success to the dedicated husband-and-wife team, Natalia and Nazar Pukshyn, from Ukraine.
Natalia and Nazar bring a wealth of experience to our team. Nazar, a veterinarian in Ukraine, and Natalia worked together as commercial beekeepers in both Ukraine and Poland, even managing a queen-rearing operation before joining us in Canada. Their expertise has been invaluable!
The Bee Cube®: A Royal Nursery
The Bee Cube® has proven to be an ideal environment for nurturing our future queens. With eight hives housed inside, we can maintain the perfect conditions for the queen larvae to mature. The comfortable and dry interior of the Bee Cube® also features a dedicated desk, providing Natalia with an excellent space for grafting. Nazar has even been able to utilize the desk for some of his artificial insemination work. No matter the weather outside, the temperature inside the Bee Cube® is always just right for our Queens.
Your Source for Healthy New Queens
We're excited to announce that we'll have a continuous supply of marked queens available throughout the summer!
Virgin Queens:Â $15
Mated Queens:Â $50
In addition to our queens, we're also building nucs with our queens for both our own use and for sale to the public. Our nucs are available for $350.
As the season progresses, you might be wondering why now is a good time to consider a new queen. Here are a few compelling reasons:
Replace a Failing Queen:Â By this point in the season, you'll have a clear understanding of your colonies' health. As you begin to prepare for winter, replacing an underperforming or failing queen can significantly boost your colony's chances of survival.
Create a Support Colony: Nazar has introduced us to an intriguing concept: using a nuc to support a main colony as a strategic way to prepare for winter. We'll be diving deeper into this fascinating process in a future blog post!
Overwinter Nucs: It's entirely possible to successfully overwinter nucs, especially those with a strong, new queen. This can be a great way to expand your apiary for the following season.
Marking of the Queen
The First Bee Cube® Queen Emerges
Ready to introduce a vibrant new queen to your apiary or add a strong new nuc?
You can purchase our Queens and nucs directly through our website at beecube.io or by calling Herman at (403) 616-9208.