The climate in our area provides the conditions that determine nectar flows, swarming season, and overwintering requirements. Understanding your local climate helps you anticipate colony needs before problems arise:

• Warm summers drive nectar flow — add supers early
• Mild or harsh winters affect overwinter food stores needed
• Wet springs can delay buildup — monitor closely

We work closely with local farmers to ensure that their agricultural practices are bee-friendly. This includes:

• Minimizing pesticide use near hive sites
• Providing diverse floral resources across the landscape
• Communicating spray schedules to avoid exposing foragers

Where you place your hives matters. Consider these factors when selecting or evaluating yard sites:

• Access to diverse forage within 2–3 km
• Protection from prevailing winds
• Morning sun exposure to encourage early foraging
• Access to clean water sources
• Distance from high-traffic human and animal areas

One of the best environmental actions a beekeeper can take is improving the forage landscape. Our bee pasture database helps you identify what plants grow in your area and plan new plantings to fill seasonal gaps.

Explore Bee Pasture Plants