The Heartland Bee Newsletter

July 2023 (33rd edition)

Florida Honey Report: June 2023

By: USDA AMS

Rainfall was inadequate in most of the state until late in the month. The Panhandle experienced the least amount of rain with Central Florida also receiving lower than normal amounts. This directly affected the amount of gallberry and palmetto honey produced in these areas. South Florida may have been a little closer to normal, but palmetto and gallberry still produced lower than normal yields.
Temperatures varied during the month but were about average overall. Rain began late in the month but was too late to avoid supplemental feeding especially in Northern and Central Florida. Bee health was considered to be about average.
Tupelo production was very low in the Panhandle with some prices reported to be around $6.00/pound in drum quantities. Central and South Florida also produced some mangrove honey during the month. Most of the honey produced was pulled near the end of the month and was still being pulled into June. Some bees were pollinating watermelons in the state for part of May.
Many bees were relocated north to states ranging from the Dakotas to Maine and were still being moved in early June. Clover honey production was prevalent in the Dakotas with most bees pollinating crops in the Northeastern states. Crops being pollinated in the north include blueberries, cranberries, and watermelons.
The next major source will be Brazilian Pepper which should start blooming in September. Stored amounts of honey were estimated to be fairly light with moderate demand at the end of the month.

Heartland Beekeepers Association Honey Extraction Class was a Great Learning Experience for Everyone!

by: Colleen Rafatti, Highlands County Master Gardener

The Heartland Beekeepers Association presented a very informative honey extraction class on Saturday, June 24, 2023.  This well attended event was taught by Amanda Johnson (Heartland Beekeepers and Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteer) and others who engaged the participants in a hands on demonstration of the processes involved.  Included in the class was a popular honey tasting, which allowed participants to sample honey produced from a variety of sources.