UF/ IFAS BEE COLLEGE 2018

Posted by Nick Bofill on

This past week the annual Bee College was held at the new Bee Lab in the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Visiting for the first time at this new facility, I was pretty ecstatic on what I was going to see and learn. Having a background in horticulture that has led to a journey in apiary, my growing affection for pollinators and its importance to our native natural habitats has become everlasting. The University of Florida has awaken and guided me to nature and bees. At first glance of the new facility, you are greeted with yellow hexagons up against the wall... I liked it here already.

The FDACS (Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) inspectors were present as well to help out the Bee Lab with Bee College, teaching beekeepers the most up to date news on laws and regulations in the industry. Whether you are beekeeping commercially or in your backyard, proper bee keeping practices are vital to the ecosystem (and humans ofcourse). I’ve attended Bee College for the last 2 years and I will be a continuous student; not only to refresh myself on proper beekeeping basics but to also network with this wonderful community of beekeepers that we are fortunate to have nearby and meet new faces that are eager to start beekeeping either as a hobby or business.

I attended the ‘How to control a swarm’ course and I was impressed on how the instructor was very involved with the course. This was by far not just another boring lecture, I really felt the connection and the need to learn, whether I knew it or not. I’ll be going there for years to come.

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Who Is The Native Guy

Posted by Diego Cohen on

Nick Bofill is a Miami native whose childhood was filled with intrigue as he studied wild native plants and flowers. He became interested in Florida's pollinators and began studying the honey bee. Nick made it his mission to save the honey bee and to educate consumers on its importance. Along the way, he started to produce high quality honey in a variety of flavors. The Native Guy is not just a honey connoisseur, but also a certified Professional Horticulturist and Landscape Technician through Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscapers Association.

The Native Guy attended Bee College at University of Florida where he was able to hone his skills. He is committed to creating opportunities to educate South Florida on the benefits of honey as he creates the best local honey in the area.

the native guy

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Local Guac

Posted by Nick Bofill on

While grabbing a quick bite in one of Miami’s many small local restaurants, it did not take me long to realize that I was sitting in yet another establishment that aims hard to give off a “supporting local” vibe. Don’t get me wrong, as a South Florida native I encourage everyone to support our wonderful local community BUT unfortunately there are a lot of phonies out there not practicing what they preach. As I browse through their menu I find that the avocados being offered in their dishes are Haas avocados. I have absolutely nothing against Haas avocados, on the contraire, I think they are buttery and delicious but they are from the Western United States and considered the original Mexican avocado; Haas has grown in demand

Living in Miami I’ve been blessed in having the opportunity to meet a lot of growers and farmers, I’ve also personally seen 19 different Avocado groves in Homestead, meaning local restaurants and chefs have no reason to seek avocados from the West coast with so much variety in a 25 mile span. I recently made a Donnie avocado guacamole and compared the taste to a “Freshly Made” store bought guacamole; the difference was huge! I took the fruit from my uncle, Tio Guilles grove in the Redlands. My mom didn't believe that her son made such a good guac.

 In South Florida, we can grow 26 different of avocados in our backyard. Varieties like ‘Brookslate’ and “Monroe” which is one of the last to fruit in the season. The ‘Monroe’ was actually discovered in Homestead, Florida in the 1930’s. It’s a hybrid between a West Indian and Guatemalan variety, with a most noticeable characteristic- its cold hardiness. Another great tasting avocado is the Donnie, harvested in late May through June.

 

Stay tuned for tips in guiding you to find your favorite avocado variety. 

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Buzz from the Hive

Posted by Nick Bofill on

Buzz from the Hive is where we'll be writing blogs and posting all the great news about our honey products and our busy bees. Stay tuned and remember, it's all about the HONEY!

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