strange weather for NW Florida. After the middle of May, we had highs in the mid/ upper 70s - we're usually well pleased when the temps aren't hotter than the upper 80's by now - I'm definitely not complaining or blaming the bonus cool weather for the low honey numbers. Nope, it's the drought condition lack of rain that's probably to blame for some of it. The other I blame me - starting on year 4 this march, and seeing my mistakes and inadequacies much more clearly - caused a swarm by nuking a going queen (which was a younger queen than I realised) - I failed to put enough value on retiring queens in the summer (our dearth) so to have a heavy layer going into the following spring. - lots of amateur mistakes. we have about 3 supers of honey for ourselves all told. none to share or sell.
Anyway I guess if identifying your mistakes is a step toward correction and progress, next year I'll be awesome - as long as it rains enough.
all I can say is if this was my first year in beekeeping instead of my third I would give up :(
I lost both hives this year and just started over with a package with a single hive. No rain in sight. Drought. Hive beetles are the devil! :evil:
second that on the SHB
Dave