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As the autumnal equinox signals the end of my 2024 beekeeping season, I find myself reflecting on what has been a challenging yet rewarding year. There’s a certain sadness in knowing that my weekly visits to the bees will pause until spring, but there’s also excitement in the anticipation of starting again in March or April 2025.

This year has been especially trying, with its share of both successes and setbacks. All our colonies came through winter incredibly well—perhaps too well, in fact. They emerged from the colder months strong and grew rapidly, which would typically be a great start to the season. However, the combination of poor weather and a lack of forage created unexpected difficulties. Unlike previous years, no local Canola (Rapeseed) was planted, which left the bees without a key source of early nectar, making it hard for them to sustain their growth.

To manage the rapid expansion of the colonies, I had to add extra honey supers to accommodate the growing number of bees. In early April, I began implementing the Demaree method for swarm control across all hives. However, the ongoing dearth in forage meant I had to intervene sooner than expected. By late April and into early May, I started supplemental feeding to prevent starvation, a widespread issue among local beekeepers. Sadly, many in the area lost colonies due to the lack of resources, but there were also bright moments, like attending local beekeeping auctions hosted by the Beverley Beekeepers Association and York District Beekeepers. It was comforting to connect with fellow beekeepers and share insights during such a tough season.

Late May also brought a special visit to the apiary from Randy and Melinda Redburg, Founders of Experts Exchange, during one of our beekeeping experience days. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the spring honey crop was non-existent. Both June and July were marred by cold, wet weather, and colonies that were gearing up to swarm tore down queen cells in favor of waiting for warmer conditions. Even the honey collected in July wasn’t ripe, so I ended up feeding it back to the bees.

Then, in August, the weather finally turned, and the bees made the most of the late summer sun. They worked tirelessly, and by the end of the month, we had a surprising surge in honey production. Normally, I’d be finished with extracting and jarring by now, but this unexpected warmth has extended the season. Today, I removed the last of the honey supers, and now begins the messy but satisfying task of extracting and jarring what we have.

However, there are still a few jobs left to wrap up the season properly. I need to move one colony to the local apiary and another to the out-apiary. Once that’s done, I’ll extract all the honey, clear my car, and clean and sterilize the beekeeping equipment. I’ll repair anything that needs fixing, take inventory, and store everything neatly in the bee shed for winter.

Just when I thought the season was wrapping up, in late September, I found one of my colonies absconding and swarming after being treated for Varroa mites. It shouldn’t happen to a beekeeper, but it was a surprise. However, with all the honey removed, the colonies are now treated and well-fed. Next comes the process of hefting, ensuring the bees have enough stores to see them through the winter.

Though the season had its hardships, there’s a sense of accomplishment in seeing it through. Now, I look forward to a well-deserved winter break—and to the promise of another fresh start in 2025.