I have mixed emotions about the way the beekeeping season went this year. Back in May, it appeared as if prospects were looking good for bees and honey production.

Bees on oilseed rape produced good crops of honey. Many colonies produced queen cells in preparation for swarming as a result of the large inflow of food from this crop.

Most of us would have been delighted to get the swarming business out of the way so that colonies would have a new queen and build up for the main crop of clover and blackberry.

It appears that queen failure was observed by many beekeepers this year

June was not kind to these new queens. Mating was poor and those that succeeded were really slow to start laying eggs.

This delay resulted in a brood deficit, consequently reducing the numbers of bees available to collect the clover and blackberry nectar. It appears that queen failure was observed by many beekeepers this year.

Many, myself included, have been frustrated by the way colonies fared. The production of nuclei (nucs or new colonies) by beekeepers is one way in which bee colonies can be replaced. These nuclei are made up during the swarming season and strengthened up to allow them survive the winter.

Next year these nuclei will be used to replace colonies which have died out.

While a good crop of honey did come in from blackberry and clover, colonies that were in good shape did avail of it.

This year’s main crop honey is of excellent flavour and colour

However, so much more honey could have been produced since the blackberry blooms were excellent and had very good weather.

This year’s main crop honey is of excellent flavour and colour. Those seeking quality honey should watch out for it at local markets.

Once the beekeeper removes honey from the beehives, it must be replaced by feeding sugar syrup. This operation starts immediately afterwards and is followed by treatments for the varroa mite.

Mite numbers must be reduced at this time of year to give the colony every chance to produce brood which is unaffected by the mites and so have a better chance of surviving the winter.

Workshops

With the dark evenings taking over, many beekeeping associations will be running courses for those interested in taking up beekeeping or perhaps those that want to appraise themselves of the bee and its lifestyle.

Beekeeping week

The 73rd annual beekeeping week was held recently in the Franciscan College, Gormanston, Co Meath, and was opened by Minister of State Mr Andrew Doyle. Attendance was high with lecture halls and workshops full. This year’s guest lecturer was Professor David Tarpey from North Carolina State University.

Ling honey

The Ling Heather, which is currently in bloom has had a bad start with the heavy rain of late. The hills are glowing with colour and all that is needed is a good week or 10 days so that the bees can collect some of the finest nectar to be had. Ling honey, otherwise known as heather honey, has gotten some good press over the past year, likely to make it a prized product.

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Busy bees at department headquarters