yup - the weird weather didnt seem to impact honey production too much. if you followed my 12 swarm captures (mostly from my own hives) i figured i would experience a poor honey harvest. well, we saw a 50% increase from last year (2010 saw 5 gallons). i also had queen issues early in the year - which i believe was the result of me swapping the brood supers - resulting in queen supersedure and subsequent swarming.so 2012 will see no brood box swaps and as i re-queened with new world carniolans in late june, i am hoping that they will avoid swarming - as that trait is downplayed in the nwc strain.
time will tell.
as of this week i have applied the winter prep medicine to reduce the varroa mite and have 6 strong hives. i do have 1 hive (the 7th) that i will be break down shortly, its having wax moth issues - and that is an indicator of other factors causing a failing hive. i will set out the honey in that hive and have the other hives rob it and add to their winter stores.
Well, it certainly sounds like you know what you're doing! Good job on the increase in production. Love your updates.
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