Hi from weastern NC

[NCbeekeep]

Hi fellow beekeepers
I am a beekeeper in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I have been beekeeping for 10 years. I have been keeping 4 to 6 bee hives. The last few years of beekeeping in this area have been tough. We have had late frost to kill the Tulip Poplar bloom, or drought to kill the Sour wood bloom. Last year we had record rainfall of 73" for the year, great if your a duck, not so good for bees. Last year I got 5lbs of honey for 5 hives. Last year I spent around $350 dollars on my hives for queens, supplies and feed. I am starting to wonder why I am beekeeping. I guess I am not in it for the money. I love the bees,the people, and the history. I am also hoping the good people on this forum can teach me more about beekeeping and give me continued hope for the future of beekeeping.   

[Joe D]

Welcome to the forum, NCbeek.  I know what you mean.  Last year we have late frost and then a good bit of rain.  I didn't sling any honey off of my five hives.  Glad you found us.  Good luck to you and your bees. 




Joe

[tefer2]

Welcome to the forum beekeep, plenty of folks in your neck of the woods here.

[BingalingBees]

No question's it's an uphill battle... expensive hobby, but I think it's worth it. :^)