The NSW Government has taken a significant step forward in beekeeping with the launch of an extraordinary new online Varroa Management Tool. This tool is set to revolutionize the way commercial and recreational beekeepers handle the challenges posed by Varroa mites. It was officially unveiled at Australia's longest-running beekeepers' field day at Tocal College, where it received overwhelming support from the beekeeping industry.

Empowering Australian Beekeepers with Varroa Management

Customized Guidance for Hive Management

Using this online tool, beekeepers are led through a series of detailed questions about their hive conditions. These questions cover aspects such as mite treatment thresholds, the presence of brood and honey supers, and the colony development phase. Based on their responses, the tool presents a wide range of treatment options. Cultural, mechanical, and chemical solutions are all included, helping beekeepers make well-informed decisions when it comes to managing Varroa mites. For example, a beekeeper with a particular hive condition might be recommended a combination of cultural practices like proper hive hygiene and mechanical methods like using mite traps, along with a carefully selected chemical treatment if needed. This customized approach ensures that each beekeeper can tailor their mite management strategy to their specific situation.

Versatile Treatment Options for All Beekeepers

The Varroa Management Tool offers a diverse set of treatment options to suit the preferences of different beekeepers. Whether a beekeeper is a hobbyist with a few hives or a commercial operator managing a large number of hives, there is something for everyone. Cultural treatments such as providing a healthy diet for the bees and maintaining proper hive ventilation can play a crucial role in mite control. Mechanical treatments like using screened bottom boards to prevent mites from reaching the bees can also be effective. And for those who need chemical solutions, the tool provides information on appropriate miticides and their usage. This variety of options gives beekeepers the flexibility to choose the methods that work best for them and their hives.

User-Friendly Design for All Operators

One of the key features of this tool is its user-friendly design. It is accessible and easy to use, making it suitable for both recreational and commercial beekeepers. The interface is intuitive, guiding users through the process step by step. Even those with little technical knowledge can quickly understand how to use the tool and obtain valuable information. This simplicity is essential as it allows beekeepers to focus on managing their hives rather than struggling with complex software. Whether a beekeeper is in the field or in their backyard, they can easily access the tool and get the help they need to manage Varroa mites.The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Bee technical specialist, Elizabeth Frost, emphasized the importance of this tool. She said that beekeepers have been requesting such a resource for a long time, and now they have it. The varroa mite tool provides practical guidance for managing Varroa mite in Australian hives and helps beekeepers navigate the complexities of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is still a relatively new concept for many in the industry, but this tool makes it more accessible. It is a one-stop resource that helps beekeepers adopt best practices in pest management.Ms Frost also highlighted how this tool bridges a significant gap in knowledge for many Australian beekeepers. Integrated pest management is essential for sustainable beekeeping, but it can be complex. The Varroa Management Tool simplifies the process, making it easier for beekeepers to understand and implement IPM strategies. This gives them greater confidence in managing their hives and enhances the work of Varroa Development Officers (VDOs). VDOs can now engage more efficiently with affected beekeepers across the country, providing them with the support they need.The Varroa mite management tool was developed in collaboration with the North American Honeybee Health Coalition and tailored to Australian conditions. This ensures that it is relevant and effective in the local context. It is expected to be particularly valuable for Australian beekeepers as they continue to face the ongoing challenge of Varroa mite management. With this tool in their hands, beekeepers have a powerful resource to improve their Varroa management practices and ensure the health and productivity of their hives.

The benefits of integrating automation into the food and beverage manufacturing sector are extensive. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, industries have been grappling with staff shortages, with the meat and food manufacturing industry being particularly affected. This has led to a search for automation solutions to bridge the gap between the lack of skilled labor and staff shortages, while still meeting domestic consumer demand.

Key Player in the Field

LUMIX Procut stands out as a key player in providing automation systems tailored to the needs of food and beverage manufacturers. Through its various distribution partnerships, it offers a range of solutions that enhance the production process, including automatic skewering and filleting machines, as well as process automation in cutting, mixing, and packaging steps. This focus on automation not only addresses staff shortages but also boosts efficiency and improves product quality.

Transforming Workflows

One standout example is EBAKI's horizontal filleting machine, which has been successfully implemented for several medium-sized food manufacturing customers. This machine cuts boneless meat horizontally, revolutionizing the workflow. For instance, one customer previously relied on two skilled butchers working 38 hours a week to fillet chicken breasts. Now, with the EBAKI solution, a compact machine capable of producing up to 400 kilograms of product per hour allows for a more streamlined production process. "Our solutions enable qualified butchers to focus on their expertise, such as making sausages or preparing special cuts of steak," said Anton Novopashin, partner and director at LUMIX Procut. This not only enhances product quality but also leads to a quicker return on investment.

Shifting Workforce and Enhancing Safety

The implementation of automation also allows businesses to reallocate their skilled workforce from manual jobs to more specialized tasks. Another meat producer, for example, invested in a new chicken schnitzel line but struggled with portion sizes. In collaboration with LAKIDIS, LUMIX Procut provided an ideal solution. Additionally, MHS machines offer portion-cutting solutions that enhance safety by keeping operators at a safe distance from the blade. "Many medium-sized businesses currently use bone saw machines that can be unsafe. With MHS machines, users can set desired thickness and weight while maintaining safety," said Novopashin. This not only improves safety but also allows for more effective labor allocation.

Benefits in the Bakery Sector

In the bakery sector, a customer supplying the food service industry has experienced the benefits firsthand. Manual cutting often leads to thickness inconsistencies, affecting cooking and product quality. However, with automation, the blade remains rigid, ensuring uniformity and improved cooking results. "What used to take a week now only takes a few hours," said Novopashin, highlighting how automation frees staff to focus on other essential tasks.

Ensuring Smooth Transitions

To ensure a smooth transition for new users, LUMIX Procut has established a test kitchen where customers can experience the machinery firsthand. After installation, training is provided to help customers troubleshoot any issues. All of LUMIX Procut's equipment solutions are manufactured in Europe, ensuring high quality and compliance with stringent safety regulations. "Everything is certified to meet European and Australian safety standards," said Novopashin.Ultimately, the journey toward automation is about more than just enhancing production efficiency; it's about revolutionizing the way food is processed. By focusing on optimizing production lines and addressing the labor shortage, businesses are embracing technology that not only streamlines operations but also elevates the quality of the end product.