We will be requeening all the hives this year which I think, together with what appears will be a long summer, should improve the longevity, health and disposition of the hives. I've noticed the queens have slowed brood production when we need it. A good beekeeper must consider and prepare for the next season. In other words, I have to wonder how well the hives will do late this summer if there aren't enough successors to the existing working bees. With a new queen comes lots of new brood and that means foragers as well. Plus, as bees get older, they can get less docile, but having lots of new bees in the mix tempers their attitude.

I caught a swarm and placed it in a box that is now on top of one of the hives at the COC. I'll check back next weekend to see if the existing hive accepted the queen. This is the fun and interesting stuff.

Honey supers are on each hive now. Keep your fingers crossed for a good harvest this year.