Spring Strategies for Thriving Bees
Mar 31, 2025
Spring Hive Health: Tips, Science, and Beekeeper Wisdom from the HiveAlive Livestream with Greg Burns from Nature's Image Farm.
Earlier this month, HiveAlive hosted a live webinar bringing together beekeepers from across the globe for a lively and educational chat about hive health, spring feeding, and the role of supplements like HiveAlive in colony success.
Kicking off the evening, attendees from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Ireland chimed in, sharing their locations and spring hive check experiences. Brad opened the discussion by acknowledging the challenges many beekeepers are facing this year, both commercially and as hobbyists, with widespread colony losses. He emphasized the importance of proactive spring feeding to help strengthen bee health and mitigate losses.
Having kept bees for 15 years and using HiveAlive for the past few, Brad shared that he’s seen noticeable improvements in his colonies since incorporating the supplement. As a hobbyist in Seattle, he underscored the value of easy, effective feeding strategies.
Turning Syrup into Super Syrup Operations Manager Linda explained how HiveAlive Liquid is “a highly concentrated liquid feed supplement designed to support colony strength.” Made with seaweed extracts, thyme, and lemongrass, it boosts antimicrobial activity, supports immune function, and improves gut health.
“We like to say it turns ordinary syrup into super syrup.”
HiveAlive is manufactured to GMP and FDA standards, available in over 45 countries, and backed by independent, peer-reviewed research.
Science-Backed Benefits HiveAlive stands out as one of the only bee supplements with published research. Trial data shows it can:
- Reduce Nosema spore levels by 57%
- Suppress chalkbrood and foulbrood growth
- Increase colony population by up to 89%
- Boost honey yields by up to 1.5x
- Improve overwinter survival rates
Feeding Early for a Strong Start Dara emphasized the importance of feeding before the nectar flow begins.
“Feeding in early spring allows colonies to build strength so they can fully capitalize on the first nectar flow.”
Protein for Brood Rearing HiveAlive High Performance Pollen Patties contain real pollen, essential amino acids, and a full dose of HiveAlive plus dried seaweed extracts. Bees consume them quickly, reducing the risk of small hive beetle.
Bees need a source of carbohydrates to help them digest the protein, HiveAlive’s EZ Feed Super Syrup is a ready-to-use syrup in convenient pouches—no mess, no mixing, and with all the benefits of HiveAlive Liquid already added.
Real Results from the Field Greg Burns of Nature’s Image Farm shared how HiveAlive products have transformed his operation:
“We saw healthier bees, fewer losses, and no more messy hives after switching from dry sugar to HiveAlive.”
Greg also stressed the importance of feeding for wax production, brood stimulation, and Queen support, especially in splits and cell starters.
Practical Tips for Beekeepers Greg and the team shared actionable advice:
- Feed syrup and protein patties in early spring to boost brood and wax building
- Use HiveAlive Fondant as a pre-emptive food insurance policy, not just emergency feed
- Inspect every 7–14 days to catch nutritional deficiencies early
Dara ended off with:
"Although only anecdotal, the commercial and hobbyist beekeepers that we have been speaking to, who use HiveAlive, aren't seeing the losses that other beekeepers are seeing."
The Takeaway Whether you're managing a few hives or hundreds, the key message is clear: healthy bees are productive bees. HiveAlive products are designed to support bee health, reduce stress, and improve productivity year-round—especially when timing and nutrition matter most.
Want to rewatch the livestream? Check out the full video here
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