Up to 123% More Honey.
Stronger Hives. Earlier in the Season.
A Full Season of Independent Results.
A full-season commercial trial across three independent apiary sites in Raglan, Paeroa and Putaruru measured the effect of AgriSea Bee Nutrition from Autumn 2019 through to the end of the 2020 honey harvest. Results showed consistently higher capped honey, earlier spring capping, stronger winter recovery, larger brood nests – and honey yield increases ranging from 20% to 123%.
The Results: More Honey, Earlier, with Stronger Hives Going In
AgriSea, alongside commercial beekeepers from Hunt and Gather Bee Co., Dansar Bees and Pacific Coast Technical Institute, carried out the trial across three apiary sites in the Raglan, Paeroa and Putaruru regions. Beekeepers independently managed their hives and collected data on a regular basis throughout. AgriSea hives were fed in Autumn at 30ml/L sugar syrup; control hives received sugar syrup only.
Results analysed to date show consistent advantages for AgriSea-fed hives across every key production measure.
+20–123% Honey Yield at Harvest
Increased honey production was recorded from all AgriSea-fed hives at the end of the 2020 harvest. Yield gains ranged from 20% to 123% across sites. Every site showed an increase – and the direction was consistent throughout the full season.
Consistently Higher Capped Honey Cells
Results showed a consistently higher percentage of capped honey cells in AgriSea hives across all three sites throughout the season – the most consistent finding across the entire dataset.
Earlier Spring Capping
AgriSea hives started capping honey earlier in the spring than control hives. This earlier start, driven by larger brood nests and more foragers available sooner, compounded into significantly higher total yields by harvest.
At Least One Extra Box Per Hive
Supplemented hives consistently went on to collect at least one additional box of honey compared to controls, due to having more foragers available across the season as a result of larger spring brood nests.
Stronger Winter Recovery
Colonies that had the late summer supplement feeding always came out of winter stronger than hives that had a good amount of honey stores but did not receive supplement feeding. Nutritional support – not just energy reserves – determines how well a hive recovers.
Larger Spring Brood Nests
A noticeable difference was observed in the size of spring brood nests in seaweed-supplemented hives. Bigger brood nests mean more nurse bees, more foragers, and greater production capacity earlier in the season when it matters most.
Honey Yield – AgriSea vs Control (range across all sites)
Range of yield increases recorded at the end of the 2020 honey harvest
Trial Design – Three Sites, Independent Beekeepers
The trial ran across three geographically separate sites, each managed by an experienced independent beekeeper. Twelve hives at each site were divided equally between a control group and a treated group. All hives were of comparable strength at commencement, and all sites were managed to an agreed standard industry regime throughout.
AgriSea – Paeroa
Low disturbance risk. Suitable vehicle access and naturally available floral source as per industry standard.
Dansar Bees – Putaruru
Managed independently by Dan Martin (Dansar Bees). Monthly data collection carried out by an experienced beekeeper not employed by AgriSea.
Hunt & Gather Bee Co. – Raglan
Managed independently by Rory (Hunt & Gather Honey Co.). Field work and data collection carried out in his presence throughout.
What Was Measured – Every Month
Monthly hive health assessments were conducted at each site by the independent facilitator. Five variables were measured and quantified at every assessment, providing a comprehensive picture of hive performance from Autumn 2019 through to the end of the 2020 honey harvest.
| Variable | How It Was Measured |
|---|---|
| Brood Productivity |
|
| Hive Population |
|
| Honey Production |
|
| Pollen Storage |
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| Disease Prevalence |
|
What's in AgriSea Bee Nutrition?
AgriSea Bee Nutrition is a scientifically formulated nutritional supplement developed using science, industry advice and beekeeper feedback. Made from marine-derived ingredients, it contains a range of nutritional constituents considered essential for bees to survive and thrive. The naturally chelated form of each ingredient enhances its bioavailability in the gut of the bee.
Trace Elements & Minerals
Naturally chelated for enhanced bioavailability – supporting immune function, gut integrity and the metabolic processes that drive brood development and honey production.
Pre & Probiotics
Supporting the gut microbiome of individual bees – central to nutrient absorption, immune resilience and colony health across the full season.
Amino Acids & Vitamins
A comprehensive amino acid and vitamin profile that sugar syrup alone cannot provide – supporting brood food secretion in nurse bees and the full lifecycle of the colony.
Bioactive Compounds
A range of marine-derived bioactive compounds supporting colony resilience during winter, spring build-up and active honey production – the critical periods this trial measured.
Recommended Products
AgriSea Bee Nutrition was used in this trial to achieve up to 123% more honey yield with stronger hives and earlier spring capping.
Bee Nutrition
Marine-derived nutritional supplement for honeybees that increases honey yield, strengthens winter recovery, promotes earlier spring capping, and supports larger brood nests throughout the season
Learn MorePartners: AgriSea New Zealand, Hunt & Gather Bee Co. (Raglan), Dansar Bees (Putaruru), Pacific Coast Technical Institute
Trial period: April 2019 to end of 2020 honey harvest | Dose: 30ml AgriSea per litre of sugar syrup – Autumn feeding
Support Your Hives This Season
Add AgriSea Bee Nutrition to your sugar syrup feed programme this Autumn. Talk to your local AgriSea consultant about the right dose rate for your operation.
Explore Bee Nutrition