Welcome back to the first episode of the #InTheKnow podcast for 2024! This week, host Oli Le Lievre and Century Orchards Farm Technical Manager Gemma Nunn delve hive-first into the world of bees.  Century Orchards farm is based at Loxton in South Australia, on the mighty Murray River. In this episode, Gemma explains the in’s and outs of bee pollination at the 700 hectare almond and 100 hectare pistachio orchard. Century Orchards joined the Bee Friendly Farming Certification Program to help them make sure their bees are as healthy and happy as can be.  Gemma explains that bees are like livestock and we learn just how important they are for Aussie Ag and horticultural production.  In this episode, Oli and Gemma cover:  The role of bees in almond and pistachio farming How professional beekeeper groups manage and maintain hives used on farmsHow hive health checks and audits workBee Friendly Farming Certification and how it worksDifferences between honeybees and native pollinatorsHow bee pollination assists in better practices, sustainability & production of high quality productBee Friendly Farming is a certification program that works with land managers to help protect, preserve and promote pollinator health. Bee Friendly Farming provides guidelines for farmers and gardeners to promote pollinator health on their lands.  If you would like to learn more about Bee Friendly farming certification head to www.wheenbeefoundation.org.au.  Sponsor appreciation: This episode has been sponsored by the Wheen Bee Foundation to raise awareness about Bee Friendly Farmer certification.