Beekeeping is never mundane. Every year has brought its roller coaster challenges and opportunities to learn and 2022 has been no exception, with a generous mixture of good and bad events:
+ A good Spring crop
- Local rapeseed led to early crystallisation
+ One really strong colony running on brood and a half
- This colony still produced a massive Swarm, despite close inspections
+ Swarm captured !
- Half the swarm would not remain in the nuc despite a wet and cold night (2 Queens?)
+ One colony now on 5 supers
- Another has Drone Laying Queen, with remedial action being unsuccessful so far
So, an eventful year so far, but every experience is an education.
I hope your year has seen more "+" and fewer "-". Let us know !
Gary TJ, Treasurer