Manitoba honeybees came through the winter quite well, but continuing drought could bring serious setbacks. Many areas have only received 9.5 millimetres of rain in the past six weeks about ten percent of expected rainfall for this time of year.
Hot dry conditions start a domino affect of challenges for bees. During droughty periods plants are stressed and reduce production of nectar thereby affecting potential honey production. This also means bees forage farther afield bringing additional risk of bee losses to the colony.
No cooling rain also means that bees spend more time cooling the hive rather than foraging. Smoke from wildfires, also a complicating factor as smoke subdues bees, reduce the work they do, and thus production. Officials expect a 30 to 50 percent drop in production this season as a result.
In addition, there are affects on winter preparedness. There must be enough bees in the colony to prepare the hive for winter. Beekeepers will be adding extra management this summer and fall to assure their bees have enough pollen/protein to give them the best chance for survival and vitality next spring.