A Canary in a Coal Mine: Observing Seasonal Shifts in Honey Production in Southwest Michigan
In the winter of 2023-24, Michigan experienced unusually mild weather, prompting an early bloom of flowering plants and significant changes in honey bee populations. The apiary expanded rapidly, but faces challenges with honey production and changing seasonal patterns. The growing degree day data indicate a shift, causing disruptions in plant-insect timing. Concern grows for future resource availability.