For many farmers who deal with crops and animals, spring and summer are a busy time till harvest. For beekeepers around here, harvest of honey is early-mid July.
The Natural Rhythm
As we talked about before, splitting the hives always comes in spring, along with all the work that goes along with keeping the bees happy so we can bring honey to the table.
Being part of this natural rhythm is exciting and daunting. The time to do the work is always at a set time. The bees, cattle and wheat don’t care if it’s too wet outside, or if your sick or busy. Time marches on. So you have to get it done, even on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday.
When I was growing up, my dad and I worked many long days until late at night to get the wheat in or the field work done, (yes, with many complaints from me) because it had to be done. If it doesn’t, you lose.
Looking Forward to May
A good egg-laying queen means strong numbers in the hive. Strong numbers mean good nectar foraging, and honey packed in excess in my honey super boxes.
May looks promising with all this rain. I’m looking forward to a potentially good wildflower bloom this spring. As they say, “April showers bring May flowers.”
I’ll keep you informed not only on the bloom, but also if my queens are laying eggs and performing as hoped.
We’ll see. Farmers are always a little skeptical and optimistic at the same time.
All the best to you and yours,
George
Get local, raw wildflower honey
We’d be delighted to share some of our local Oklahoma wildflower honey with you. Or try a different vintage of single-origin honey foraged in Texas, North Dakota or Wisconsin. Visit us at the Farmer’s market or find Gold Standard at your local store.