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ARGENTINA
Clover Extra Light $1.35
Clover Light Amber $1.35 - $1.37
Honeydew Light Amber $1.03
Mixed Flower White $1.58 - $1.92
Mixed Flower Extra Light $1.12 - $1.92
Mixed Flower Light Amber $1.08 - $1.22
BRAZIL
Mixed Flower Light Amber $1.23 - $1.73
Orange White $2.40
Mimosa Extra Light $1.67
Mimosa Light Amber $1.67
ORGANIC Light Amber $1.28 - $1.84
INDIA
Mixed Flower White $1.00 - $1.27
Mixed Flower Extra Light $.98 - $.99
Mixed Flower Light Amber $.98 - $1.23
Mustard White $.94 - $1.31
Mustard Extra Light $.96 - $1.31
Mustard Light Amber $.96
MEXICO
Mixed Flower Amber $1.09
UKRAINE
Mixed Flower White $1.60
Sunflower White $1.49 - $1.60
Sunflower Extra Light $1.49
URUGUAY
ORGANIC Light Amber $1.28
VIETNAM
Mixed Flower Light Amber $1.29
APPALACHIAN DISTRICT (MD, PA, VA, WV): Colonies were doing very well and the weather for October was outstanding. A few beekeepers
required new queens, but overall colony numbers were reported to be pretty good. Although the area is a little on the dry sid e, the fall colors were
excellent and bees were still fairly active. Daily temperature swings were once again the norm, but overall temperatures were a little above normal for the
month. There were some mornings where frost was present; however, no hard freeze occurred. Beekeepers were checking colonies after applied mite
treatments and were busy making final arrangements to tuck in their colonies for winter. Most were continuing to provide supp lemental food with the
nice weather. Although pollen sources were diminishing seasonally, there were scattered spots of aster, chrysanthemum, goldenrod, and other
wildflowers in bloom. The weather was so mild in some areas it resulted in some spring flowering plants to push out a little bloom.
ALABAMA: Extreme drought occurred throughout Alabama for the entire month of October, especially in southern regions. This no doubt affected
nectar flow – in southern areas the nectar flow ended earlier than usual. In northern areas the nectar flow likely started later. Like previous years during
this time of year, goldenrod likely provided the most nectar and pollen for honeybee colonies . Sunflowers and asters were also in bloom. Beekeepers
reported fewer honey stores in their colonies, yet still likely enough to get through winter. Beekeepers were therefore more vigilant with respect to
feeding. Some beekeepers finished varroa mite treatments, or at least prepared for winter treatments and other beekeeping man agement tasks. Some
beekeepers also reported a high level of small hive beetles.
ARIZONA: The month of October showed hotter than normal temperatures for this time of year. On three separate days the Phoenix area h ad record
breaking temperatures for the month-to-date period (October 16th -105°F; October 19 & 20th - 104°F). The higher elevations of Northern Arizona
provide some moisture and lower temperatures. However, this welcomed relief to dry conditions is limited. With these higher -than-normal temperatures
and limited rainfall statewide, the U.S. Drought Monitor and has moved parts of Arizona from a D1 (Moderate Drought) to a D2 (Severe Drought)
classification.
Extremely arid conditions have limited production of honey as well as limited the ability of beekeepers to get into hives for general inspections. As
of October 31, industry sources have reported that 100s of hives have been lost this year-to-date. This has significantly lessened the amount of honey
produced. Also of note is that many new beekeepers were forced out the industry because of these harsh conditions.
The demand for honey remains good throughout most of the state. Desert bloom and cotton are among the main sources of pollen . Certain
beekeepers have also resorted to using more concentrated pollen patties to supplement feeding. Many beekeepers have exp ressed concerns as drought
conditions persist.
National Honey Report Vol. XLIII - Number 11 Page 3 November 27, 2023
ARKANSAS: During the month of October temperatures were well above normal across most of the state. Precipitation was about normal acro ss most of
the same area. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, Arkansas had mostly normal soil moisture to abnormally dry conditions across most of
the state with an area of severe drought in Central and Southeastern Arkansas.
CALIFORNIA: California beekeepers continued to battle mites and a lack of forage this October. “Many colonies have enough feed for now, and we are
feeding only the colonies that we feel will survive the mite damage,” a beekeeper said. “It seems as if the higher mite damaged colonies were unable to
make enough food to survive and actually consume what feed they have.” “It seems as if someone has flipped a switch as all nectar and pollen collection
has ceased and robbing has ensued,” he continued. “We are begging to move all colonies to winter locations as the mite treatments allow.”
Early treatment of hives with Apivar strips had limited success, so beekeepers continued with other measures. “The damage caused by this failure
was at least 35 percent colony loss with many of the remaining colonies weakened,” a beekeeper said. “I hope that we can pull this colonies back in time
for almond pollination. We do not consolidate colonies until the mite treatments have concluded.”
Although temperatures cooled later in the month, daytime temperatures remained above seasonal averages. “The nights have been cooler,” he said.
“The bees will benefit from this somewhat, but we need to rebuild the weak colonies somehow.”
Some beekeepers fed pollen substitute heavily to hives to prepare for winter. “The big question is what the demand for bees will be for almonds,
since the price for nuts is so low,” a beekeeper said of pollination rates. “Almonds have been overplanted beyond demand.”
FLORIDA: Temperatures were about normal for the month with about normal precipitation in most areas except the Panhandle. The Panhandl e
experienced less precipitation than normal for the month. Bee health was considered to be fairly good. Sources of food for th e bees was generally
adequate with few hives needing supplemental feeding. Goldenrod, Spanish Needle and Brazilian Pepper were available in most a reas around the state.
Cotton was also available in the Panhandle areas. Brazilian Pepper bloom started later than normal this year but honey yield appears to be similar to past
years, except for 2022 which was severely affected by a hurricane. Due to an overall low honey production in Florida for the past few months, prices are
probably a little higher than average. The later than normal Pepper season has pushed back hive splitting and mite treatments more into November than
usual. November and December will see many beekeepers splitting and treating to build their hives for the upcoming California almond pollination
season early next year. Stored supplies of mainly Brazilian Pepper honey were probably the largest they have been in several months with good demand.
Pepper honey was still being produced and pulled at the end of the month resulting in the larger than norm al supplies.
IDAHO, COLORADO, UTAH: During the month of October temperatures were normal in Idaho. Precipitation in Idaho was normal for the whole state.
Utah had temperatures that were normal and precipitation that was a little above normal. Colorado had normal temperatures acr oss the whole state,
Precipitation for Colorado was below normal.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, in October Idaho had no drought to an area of moderate to severe drought in No rthern Idaho. Utah
is currently under no drought to abnormally dry conditions. Colorado had normal soil moisture to moderate drough t in western Colorado.
Prices for the month of October were between $2.85 and $3.20 per pound with a mostly price of $3.00 for Idaho, Colorado price s are too few
producers reporting to determine a market. Prices for locally sourced honey in Utah are $2.80 -$3.30 per pound with mostly $3.00 to $3.30.
ILLINOIS: The weather for October started warm and then ended much colder. There was an above average amount of precipitation. Treatme nt for
mites has taken place. The bees are in good condition. Entrance reducers are in place for mice. Some foliage remains, such a s white and purple aster and
few goldenrods. Beekeepers are looking forward to upcoming meetings. Demand for honey is up at the retail level and fairly go od at wholesale level.
Prices are generally unchanged.
INDIANA: The weather for October alternated between warm and cold temperatures with very little rain. Beekeepers report their bees in good condition
and prepared for winter. Some beekeepers continued supplemental feeding of their bees. Beekeepers with mite problem s have begun treating their hives.
Demand for honey is fairly good at the retail level and demand was fairly good at the wholesale level. Prices are generally unchanged.
KENTUCKY: In October, Kentucky beekeepers enjoyed one last chance to treat their hives for varroa mites before the first winter blast a rrived on
Halloween to close the month. In terms of rainfall, October was a dry month, so many beekeepers were feeding as well as t reating their hives.
Beekeepers were also able to open hives to do a quick inspection and varroa mite count. As stationary beekeepers prepare their hives to overwinter in
Kentucky, commercial beekeepers are gearing up to take their hives on the road next month.
LOUISIANA: During the month of October temperatures were well above normal across most of the state. Precipitation was well below normal across
the state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, most of the state is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought.
MINNESOTA: During the month of October temperatures were normal across the whole state. Precipitation for October was below normal for t he north
end of the state, the south end of the state saw above average precipitation.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, in October the whole state had abnormally dry to severe dry soil moisture.
Prices per pound in Minnesota were $2.80-$3.00 with mostly price of $2.80-$3.00 for locally sourced honey for the month of October.
NEW YORK: Frosts are later than normal, with most areas yet to have a killing frost. Western NY continues to experience dry or drought conditions.
Beekeepers are feeding bees before the winter sets in, especially those with reports of low honey stores in the colonies. Honey demand continues to be
high with slight price increases.
NORTH & SOUTH DAKOTA: Harvest for most crops neared completion as growers worked to prepare hives for moving to their overwinter locations.
Water supplies were generally short to adequate, mostly adequate. Better than some of the droughts in earlier years.
OHIO: October rain fall was below normal, over the month Ohio had less than 1 inch until this last 4 days, then we had approximatel y 1.5 inches too late
for a fall nectar flow, bees are being fed in many areas of Ohio. Most beekeepers fed carbs but not protein w hich is a major mistake. Bees need protein to
feed the larvae stage bees, which at the present are Winter Fat Bees. I put out protein flour feeders at Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base near Huffman Prairie. Within a few hours hundreds of foragers were loading up on the flour, both from nearby h ive colonies, also
foragers from Bee Trees within a mile radius. Ohio received 30,000 packages bees from the south, and about 4500 from Calif. Many queens from the
south were not mated properly, some queens not mated. Starting in late August many queens were being replaced by the colonies , which met with failure.
My network of experienced beekeepers are expecting a major winter lose over this winter in Ohio. Ohio has many beginning beekeepers again this year.
Honey Prices: $6.00 to $7.00 per pound wholesale, $11.00 to $13.00 retail. Near large cities retail as high at $18.00.
A warm and extended fall quickly ended the last week when temperatures dropped, and snow fell in some northern counties. Hon eybees were still
flying looking for any source of nectar or pollen, although most plants are well past flowering. Robbing has bee n intense as they searched for food.
Some colonies were found to be empty of stores as with warm temperatures, the bees have been active and eating their stored f ood. Examples of
plummeting temperatures include Columbus (Central Ohio) which had record warm temperatures of 87 F the first week, to 29 F October 31 with light
snow flurries in the evening. Rainfall was slightly above average at 3.11”. Cincinnati started with temperatures of 86 F an d ended below freezing at 25
F. Cleveland experienced warm temperatures until the last week when temperatures plummeted to 30 F. On October 27, it was still 78 F! Rainfall was
1.31” above normal at 4.91”. Reports of losses due to starvation and high levels of varroa mites have been reported.
OKLAHOMA: During the month of October temperatures were well above normal across most of the state. Precipitation was about normal acro ss the
state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, Oklahoma had mostly normal soil moisture to abnormally dry conditions across most of the state.
There are areas of moderate to extreme drought scattered around the state.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Prices for honey sold at the State Farmers Market in West Columbia, SC were reported as: 12/1 Pint $70.00-75.00, 12/1 Quart
$110.00-130.00, 12 count. Honey Bears $40.00-48.00, 4/1 Gallon $180.00 and 1 Gallon $50.00.
In the Midlands area beekeepers reported low incidence of mites.
TEXAS: During the month of October temperatures were about normal across the state. Things finally started to cool off. Precipitation during October
was about normal across most of the state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, much of the state has mostly modera te drought to extreme
drought conditions. The area of exceptional drought has increased in size in Central Texas.
WASHINGTON: October started off wet limiting fieldwork in many areas. Temperatures began to cool seasonally. This was followed by some wa rmer,
drier days allowing fieldwork and harvest to continue in earnest. A few late field crops were still being harvested along wit h later apples and pears. By
mid-month the temperatures dropped with much colder temperatures. Rain late in the month fell as snow in higher elevations in the Cascades and central
part of the state. Bees were prepared for moving to overwinter locations.
WISCONSIN: Temperatures averaged higher than normal with greater than average precipitation. Beekeepers have treated for mites with oxal ic acid.
Bees are in good condition. Bees foraged on Goldenrod, Seven Sons tree, fall asters, some mints and white snakeroot until the first frost, then they were
given supplemental feeding. Very little honey was produced, with most taken in August and Septem ber. Beekeepers are preparing for winter by
insulating the hives and keeping animals away. Sales were good with no changes to wholesale or retail prices.
OCTOBER 2023