Visited an organic farm on north west coast of Lake Derg, with 13 bee hives, herd of sheep and cultivated flower and grain field. The gigantic field full of blue, yellow flowers and grains is eye catching and very photogenic. This cultivated field is not done for bee food, but to produce seeds to feed birds in winter.
The lady farmer support her living with selling honey, bee wax candles, lamb, guided visits, candle making workshop and EU subsidy from growing seeds for birds. Diversify in farming is key to more stable income.
bee hives
I believe bees are benefit from the flower fields too
ReplyDeleteLove to read your blog, very inspiring !
Hi Amy, thanks for writing comment. There are indeed some wild flowers that managed to grow in the field that has nectar for bees (like clover). It is a special seed pack (designed by EU for the subsidy) that is chosen for producing different types of seeds to feed birds. To achieve this cultivation effect, the farmer has to use large tractor to turn every inch of the soil, and then to sow, just like any crop cultivation. I feel a bit sad, as this is not the normal meadow, which is normally natural with mixed wild flowers, this is a huge mechanically cultivated flower grain field.
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