http://eepurl.com/bRBxVX

The survey represents a sample of 268 non-migratory beekeepers from 56 counties in New York State.

Highlights: The average respondent started with 5 hives at the end of winter and increased their number of hives by more than 2 fold, mostly by making splits, and entering winter with 12 hives. 25% of beekeepers intended to overwinter nucs. 87% of respondents were pleased to some extent, with the 2015 honey crop.

The results may also assist those who are conducting classes for or providing mentoring to other beekeepers.
Pleasesend any comments, suggestions, or questions.

Please watch for the NY Bee Wellness Spring Survey in 2016.

NOTE: If the data does not display properly, please view the email in your browser by clicking the link in the upper right corner of this page.

Links to the regional survey results are at the bottom of the page.

•     Average number of hives per beekeeper-5; Total hives- 1451

•      Splits-978       Packages-435         Nucs-276       Swarms-247           Other-136

• Average number of hives per beekeeper-12; Total hives- 3251

•    YES, 25%

• “I used double nuc boxes and overwintered 21 of them with 0 loss”
• “last winter I stacked 5 framed deep nucs four high and wrapped with foil insulation. I read that bees might prefer a tall column to conserve heat. It seemed to work .”
• “Configuration: (2) 2 five frame nuc bodies, one on top of the other. Nucs have been fed 2:1 sugar water & will have winter pollen patties & fondant. They will be wrapped in black roofing paper.”
• “5/5 deeps 5/5/5 mediums. Healthy and heavy”

•      YES- 71%,   Somewhat- 16%,     NO- 13%

•  “Start supporting top bar hives more. Although not ideal from a commercial honey producers standpoint, they are healthier for the bees. Since they require no chemical interference, they result in chemical-free honey and wax. Better for bees, AND better for humans”

•  “As far as the Varroa mites, I made a decision to treat every hive, every year. After treating each hive 3 times at 7 day intervals, the bees were fine. I have seen no evidence of negative effects on them. So, as far as mite counts, I don’t check. I may treat in the spring as well. Some of my friends in Maine are doing this. This survey is a great idea! Thanks for doing all this!!!!”

•  “Not a bad year overall, considering last year’s brutal winter”

• “As more partnerships, coalitions, and groups are formed for bee health, I feel one important part is missing. Queen rearing for improving the health of bees and beekeeping”