I continue in my role as the editor of the Michigan Beekeepers Association Newsletter, and in that role, I write a short editor’s introduction for the newsletter each quarter. Sometimes those pieces seem appropriate to share as a farm story as well. I think this one qualifies.
Editor’s Musings: As I sit down to put together another newsletter, I find myself reflecting on the past few months! In my area of southeastern Michigan, we were spared the heavy lake effects snow that buried much of the west side of the state, but never-the-less, this year we are definitively having a real winter. Quite a contrast with last year, when winter seemed to pass through in a week, and maple sap was already flowing in SE Michigan by this time!
I have only been on the farm for 5 years, so this winter was the first Michigan winter that I have had to see my animals (including my bees) through extreme cold. I love winter, but only when decked out in appropriate winter gear. I HATE to feel cold, so it was hard to watch my goats shivering on our three coldest days, with nothing I could do for them other than give them shelter, dry bedding, abundant food, and deliver warm water regularly. Maybe I need to invest in some goat coats!
Both a farmer friend and my large animal vet celebrated the cold, reminding me we needed a good cold winter to finally kill off some of “those pesky bugs”. I just hope it didn’t kill off too many of the bugs I care for! Unfortunately, based on who was flying on a 45 degree day with a bit of sun two weeks ago, I am pretty sure my bee losses are significantly higher than I have had in a number of years. But for now, all I can do is wait and see what spring will bring for my bees.
I can’t say I am not a little worried. In addition to a tough winter, it is still too dry here, which could affect spring resources. I don’t tend to think much about drought in the wintertime, but in our area, where we have had relatively little snow, it was not unexpected to hear that we are still in unusually dry conditions. However, given the amount of snow some areas have had, I was surprised to learn that as of February 6, 82% of the state is still considered to be in some level of drought, with 53% in moderate to severe drought! Yikes! Could be a challenging year to be a beekeeper in Michigan for many reasons! All the more reason to come to the Michigan Beekeepers Association spring conference on March 1, 2025 and learn as much as possible to help you navigate any beekeeping challenges this year brings! Hope to see you there!