A local honey producer says the season is off to a decent start. Art Bergmann of the RM of Ste. Anne says their bees came through the winter reasonably well and they have been busy this spring.

"Our losses were quite low over winter. The bees came out of the wintering barn on April 9, which is at least three weeks later than average. We were concerned that they would be short of feed stores but they've come through with flying colours."

A couple of other honey producers in the local area have similar stories. However, in other parts of the province and the country, winter bee losses are reported to be quite high.

Bergmann outlines what the bees are feeding on these days.

"They've been in the trees, taking pollen out of poplars and willows and, very shortly, we'll see the wild fruit blooming followed by the dandelions. Everybody despises the beautiful dandelions of early spring but, for the honey bees and for other pollinators, this is a great source of nectar as well as pollen."

He notes honey producers, like all other food producers, are concerned about the dry conditions and will soon need rain to keep things going.

"Along with other food producers, we're somewhat concerned about the lack of rain. We're just going to really need that for food production, whether it's the feed for dairy, whether it's the canola for the oil or the wheat for bread, we'll be looking for moisture along with everyone else."