by Randy Johnson, Area 4

Hello Texas Beekeepers,

I want to update everyone on how 2009 is going for Johnson Honey & Bee Farm. We received the bees back from California in the middle of March and were very pleased at the shape that the bees were in. At that time, we started making up nucs and shaking some packages of bees to sell. The spring nectar flow started out looking good, but then the rain set in. We got about 20 inches of rain right at a time that we didn’t need it, cutting our chances of some early honey. We had to start feeding the nucs to keep them growing and putting on Hivastan and Tylan for the bees going to South Dakota. However, we are optimistic that we can catch a crop on the clover and alfalfa.
I am sure by now most of you know that Johnson Honey & Bee Farm is also a honey packer. Our honey-packing business seems to be growing more and more each year. We pack everything that we produce in Texas and South Dakota and our demand still requires us to buy additional honey. We are thankful for that, as right now, it is what is paying the bills. With the price of fuel and the failing economy, times have been hard for everyone I know. I once had an old timer tell me that if I would park my trucks, I could probably make some money. He was probably right!
Well I hope that 2009 so far has found my fellow beekeepers well and that it continues to do so. May the bees keep buzzing and the honey keep flowing! God bless!

Best Regards,
Randy Johnson
Johnson Honey & Bee Farm
Paris, Texas