2024 has seen a very poor Spring for many beekeepers. I've opened my hives at a time when I should be considering an extraction, only to find the bees have eaten everything they have been collecting. The seemingly constant rain and cold days means less flying time, and the bees have to eat their stores to stay alive. I've had a small amount of honey, probably just enough to honour my online orders. However, I've cancelled two local fetes as I simply don't have the stock.
The welfare of the bees comes first, and the honey sales only ever pay for the hobby itself. It's just one of those things.
Hoping for a better summer!