NATIONAL HONEY MARKET NEWS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DIVISION
21 N. 1st AVENUE, SUITE 224
YAKIMA, WA 98902-2663

ARKANSAS
- MIXED FLOWERS, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 50¢
- SOYBEAN, LIGHT AMBER, 48¢

CALIFORNIA
- ALFALFA, WHITE, 50¢ - - - LIGHT AMBER, 44 - 45¢
- CLOVER, LIGHT AMBER, 44¢
- COTTON, LIGHT AMBER, 44¢ (SMALL LOT)
- MIXED FLOWERS, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 53¢ (DELAYED PAYMENT)
- MIXED FLOWERS, LIGHT AMBER, 48¢ (DELAYED PAYMENT)
- STAR THISTLE, WHITE, 50¢

FLORIDA
- BRAZILIAN PEPPER, LIGHT AMBER, 45¢
- GALLBERRY, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 50¢
- MIXED FLOWERS, LIGHT AMBER, 44¢
- ORANGE, LIGHT AMBER, 45¢
- SAW PALMETTO, LIGHT AMBER, 45¢

LOUISIANA
- FLORAL SOURCE NOT AVAILABLE, LIGHT AMBER, 52¢

MICHIGAN
- MIXED FLOWERS, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 51¢
- FLORAL UNKNOWN, LIGHT AMBER, 51¢

MONTANA
- CLOVER, WHITE, 50 - 58¢

NEBRASKA
- CLOVER, WHITE, 55¢

NORTH DAKOTA
- CLOVER, WHITE, 50 - 56¢ - - - EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 45 - 53¢
- CLOVER, LIGHT AMBER, 48¢

OREGON
- BLACKBERRY, WHITE, 45¢ - - - EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 45¢
- BLACKBERRY, LIGHT AMBER, 40¢
- CLOVER, WHITE, 50¢ (SMALL LOT)
- STAR THISTLE, LIGHT AMBER, 40¢ (SMALL LOT)

SOUTH DAKOTA
- CLOVER, WHITE, 53 - 58¢ - - - EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 53¢
- CLOVER, LIGHT AMBER, 48¢

TEXAS
- CHINESE TALLOW, AMBER, 48¢ (SMALL LOT)

WASHINGTON
- BUCKWHEAT, AMBER, 36¢
- CLOVER, LIGHT AMBER, 40¢ (SMALL LOT)
- HUCKLEBERRY, LIGHT AMBER, 41¢
- MINT, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 45¢ - - - DARK AMBER, 32¢
- MIXED FLOWERS, LIGHT AMBER, 40¢ (SMALL LOT)
- RASPBERRY, WHITE, 50¢
- SAGE, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 45¢ (SMALL LOT)
- SNOWBERRY, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 45¢ (SMALL LOT)
- VETCH, WHITE, 51¢ (SMALL LOT)

WISCONSIN
- CLOVER, WHITE, 65¢ (SMALL LOT, DELIVERED OUT-OF-STATE)

EAST COAST. . . ARGENTINA
- CLOVER, WHITE, 49 - 58¢
- MIXED FLOWERS, WHITE, 52 - 53¢ (HIGHER PRICE PREV. COMMITMENT)
- MIXED FLOWERS, EXTRA LIGHT AMBER, 50¢
- MIXED FLOWERS, LIGHT AMBER, 46 - 49¢

EAST COAST. . . CHINA
- MIXED FLOWERS, LIGHT AMBER, 46¢

WEST COAST. . . ARGENTINA
- MIXED FLOWERS, WHITE, 57¢ (PREV. CONTRACTED)

WEST COAST. . . CHINA
- CHINESE TALLOW, WHITE, 47¢ - - - LIGHT AMBER, 45¢

COLONY, HONEY PLANT & MARKET CONDITIONS DURING OCTOBER

APPALACHIAN DISTRICT - (MD, PA, VA, WV)
The conditions of hives in the Appalachian District are variable to poor, and serious concem is mounting as to the bee's survival rate for the upcoming winter. Dry conditions caused poor fall bloom resulting in a less than adequate honey flow (some states reporting 50% lower than normal). Most colonies have not built up enough stores to last them through the winter. Beekeepers and inspectors reported they were already seeing starvation in some colonies due to very low to no honey stores and some beekeepers are already supplemental feeding. Inspectors are recommending careful monitoring of hives over the winter and combining weaker colonies. There are also reports of hives robbing other colonies for food.

There has not been measurable rain in the area for about 1-1/2 months and despite the cooler and wetter summer, the area is very dry. There has been an increase in reports of Varroa mite resistance to Apistan, especially among hobby beekeepers. Currently, Cumaphous has been successful and most hobby beekeepers and commercial operations with resistant colonies are applying this treatment. A few states reported a very slight increase in American Foul Brood since last year, which is of great concern to area beekeepers.

CALIFORNIA
Most of the state experienced cool, wet weather during October. Weekly temperatures averaged 2-6 degrees below normal. In the Sierra Nevada foothills, from the 9th - 11th, total rainfall topped 3" while the Sacramento Valley collected a daily-record total of .76". One cold front provided the mountains with their first significant snowfall above 5,000 feet. On the 22nd, gusty winds of 48 mph were reported in Vacaville while Redding reached 41 mph. Another 20" of snow fell from the 21-29th at elevations above 7,000 feet. October rainfall records were also established in several parts of the state including Monterey with over 4" and Salinas at nearly 2-1/2".

Beekeepers were busy getting their bees ready for winter by medicating and making divides. The cool weather was beneficial because the bees were still able to gather pollen from early mustard and eucalyptus. The variable weather in Southern California did keep some queens from mating properly. A number of bees from out-of-state were beginning to come in by the end of the month.

Packers reported that offerings of honey slowed during the month as producers are waiting to see if the anti-dumping suit or the farm bill will increase prices. Some packers are only taking in honey that was previously contracted. Beekeepers were buying frames and boxes.

COLORADO
During October, most of the state has remained seasonal. The first of the month was relatively dry, but the last two weeks has brought moisture to most parts of the state in the form of rain to lower elevations and snow to the mountain areas. Some areas of the state, especially the southern mountains are still experiencing drought conditions which can have major impacts to downstream water commitments to other states. The Rio Grande River has commitments with guarantees to New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico, but without sufficient moisture in recent years, the vast underground aquifer has fallen drastically. Temperatures during most of the month remained about normal, with daytime highs in the low 50s to the low 60s and nighttime lows in the mid 20s to mid 30s.

Most migratory bee colonies have been moved to their winter yards in California and south Texas to work the late fall and winter crops. Most colonies that were left in state are being given supplemental feed as most food sources have frozen or dried up. Beekeepers have medicated their colonies and are reporting fairly good conditions at this time.

FLORIDA
The beginnings of a sub-tropical depression in the Florida Straits brought abundant moisture to many southern and some central Peninsula areas. The storm passed over southern localities and off the east coast during the beginning of October. Cool and mostly dry weather prevailed at the major stations. Daytime highs were in the 70s and 80s, while nighttime lows were in the 50s and 60s.

Most of the migrating bees are back to the State. Some of them will come back in the winter time. Some beekeepers have not been too pleased with the Brazilian pepper crop. The rain storms on the southeastern part of Florida eliminated the Brazilian pepper crop. The floods were as bad as last year. The Brazilian pepper crop was very short this season. The golden rod and a lot of wild flowers are blooming in South Florida. The rains have been good for plants for a winter store.

Demand for Florida honey is very light. Prices are much lower.

IDAHO
Beekeepers reported having wrapped up preparations for winter. Bees were gathered into yards earlier this month to over winter. Weather was fairly mild the first half of October, allowing beekeepers to medicate and check on hive condition, followed by wet and cooler the latter part of the month. Some hives will be transported to California by the end of November allowing brood to gain full strength before pollination begins.

ILLINOIS
The fall honey flow for colonies overwintering in the state improved over the month. The August and September poor flow turned to better than expected due to frequent rainfall and above average temperatures. The first four days of the month temperatures were ten to fifteen degrees above normal throughout the state. The sixth of the month the high and low at O'Hare airport Chicago was 48 and 34, which was sixteen degrees below normal. The seventh of the month most of the state reported the first killing frost. O'Hare reported the Chicago temperature of thirty which tied the record low for that date. Most of southern and central section reported freezing temperature of thirty-two or below. This was in contrast to warm temperatures reported from the thirteenth until the end of the month. Most sections in the state reported high temperatures in the low to mid eighties which was twelve to fifteen degrees above normal. Rainfall varied throughout the state for the month. The southeastern section reported twelve or more inches of rainfall (which had caused minor river flooding) for the period while most of the state was relatively dry.

Some beekeepers started supplemental feeding activities. Goldenrod & white clover were the main fall floral sources bees were working on. Noted this month, a few bee swarms were reported in the central part of the state. This was very unusual for October but senior beekeepers said it had occurred before but was very rare this late in the year.

Honey and wax movement was reported very good at remaining farmers markets and local fall festivals. Quality of honey offered has been excellent adding to demand. Retail sales were reported good while bulk movement was slow for packers and commercial beekeepers barrel sales. Honey prices were about unchanged with prices quoted in the 55-60 cent range. This continues the trend of lower prices than previous years.

INDIANA
Most fall mite treatment had been completed with beekeepers completing removal of various treating materials.

Weather conditions were ideal the first five days of the month. The sixth of the month, most of the area experienced heavy frost. By mid-month, temperatures climbed to the mid to low 70s.

Some areas reported a better fall flow of honey than others due to spotty rainfall. The southeast section around Louisville, Kentucky reported the best fall flow of aster and goldenrod due to lesser amounts of rainfall than most other parts of the state. The central part of the state, that was hit by frequent days with high winds and rainfall, reported the least fall flow. Floral sources bees had been working (mostly in southern section) were various fall wildflowers and goldenrod bloom.

Some of the migrant colonies were inspected by the State Apiary Dept. before departing for overwintering in various southern states however, the State Apiary Inspector commented colony inspections had wrapped up for the season.

Demand for honey was very good, as many farmers markets & fall festivals throughout the state featured local honey. Bulk honey sales were slow & prices remained about unchanged. The retail level sales were generally unchanged.

MISSISSIPPI
Colonies around the state were generally in good condition. In the central and northern locations of the state fall honey flows were considered to be poor at most locations. Floral sources such as aster, goldenrod, and Spanish needle were affected by dry weather. Colony strength going into the winter months is a concern. Supplemental feeding is taking place in the weaker colonies. In the southern section of the state, there was a dirth of any significant pollen or nectar sources during October. Supplemental feeding is taking place in the weaker colonies. Throughout the state, beekeepers were involved in fall maintenance programs including the final stages of mite treatments.

MISSOURI & IOWA
Harvest weather during October continued to be generally good. Precipitation was below normal. Temperatures were generally normal except for some very cool nights in the middle of October and some very warm days the last week of the month. Some beekeepers in some locations have been doing some heavy feeding. Beekeepers that had not already brought in the honey crop were busy with harvest and in Iowa were busy finishing up preparing the bees for winter. A fair estimate of this years crop will be obtained in November.

MONTANA
The first half of October was cool and wet across the state except for an occasional spot that would have a day of unseasonably warm weather. The northern half was the coldest with temperatures as much as 16 degrees below normal. Nighttime lows frequently dipped into the teens and single digits. Several early-season storms brought heavy precipitation. Helena's month-to-date precipitation through the 14th was 1.87" which accounted for 24% of their year-to-date total. During the same two weeks, Missoula totaled 1.78" and Great Falls recorded 1.06". Conditions varied through the end of the month with an occasional daytime high in the upper 70's to low 80's in the south while nighttime lows continued to dip into the teens in the northeast. The central section of the state is still fairly dry.

Bees that aren't wintered in the state or sold as packages were prepared for their trip to California yards in November. Each colony is brought in from summer locations, inspected for size and strength and feed is added when necessary. Most of the bees are reported to be in very good condition.

NEVADA
Beekeeping operations are pretty well closed down for winter. Hives are in real good shape going into winter, very few weak colonies were found when medicating and adding feed for the up coming winter months. Weather has been fair and bees have been seen bringing in late pollen from the rabbit brush. Many of the migratory beekeepers have already taken hives to winter in California.

NEW ENGLAND
Weather for New England was very cool and fall like with temperatures ranging from lows in the 40s daytime highs in the 60s with an occasional day in the 70s.

Harvesting finished up late in October with good activity reported for the final month. Harvest this year was off by more than 50% in most areas, some areas near the coast reported less then 50% with most losses due to disease and starvation. Most all beekeepers are feeding at this time.

NORTH CAROLINA
October in North Carolina can be described in two words, warm and dry. Daytime highs throughout the month ranged from the upper 70s to the mid 80s in the eastern half of the state, while the mountains stayed in the low and mid 70s. Nighttime lows ranged from the upper 20s to almost 60, but rose rapidly each day. But along with this beautiful weather, very little if any rainfall was recorded across most of the state. Soil conditions are yery dry. Bees have been active during these warm days.

Retail sales have been good with the influx of "leaf lookers" in the Mountains.

OREGON
Temperatures varied across the state throughout October. Rainfall ranged form a weekly total of over 2" along the coast to only light showers in Eastern Oregon. The first heavy frost of the fall occurred the last week of October with the south-central region the coldest. Eugene set a daily-record low on the 23rd when they dropped to 28 degrees. During the same time, snow fell in the mountains. By the end of the month, topsoil moisture was adequate in most areas of Western Oregon but as much as 50% short in other parts of the state.

The bees are reported to be in good condition as they were prepared for winter by feeding when necessary and adding mite treatments. Mild temperatures allowed the bees to leave their hives for cleansing flights. There is currently not any plants for them to work except a little wild carrot.

UTAH
Most beekeepers are winding down their operations, as they have completed feeding and medication of hives for the winter months ahead. Anticipation is that honey sales will be on the up swing with the start of the holiday season in November.

WASHINGTON
For most of October, conditions were unseasonably warm in Western Washington with a few showers reported. Central and Eastern Washington also had warm days but nighttime lows frequently dipped below freezing and the amount of precipitation varied. In some areas, the lack of moisture since summer had delayed the planting of some crops.

The bees are reported to be in good condition in Western Washington but there is concern about an increase of Foulbrood. The disease appears to have built up a resistance to conventional treatments. The honey crop varied this year. Colonies set near blackberry fields produced a good yield but the fireweed crop was spotty. Daytime highs in the upper 60's allowed the bees plenty of days for cleansing flights even if was drizzling.

Bees that were in North and South Dakota for the summer were brought back to the state after the honey crop was extracted. The clover crop was only fair from North Dakota and a little better in South Dakota. The size of the crop depended on how much moisture was received during the summer. In some cases, the honey flow ended early because of a lack of rainfall and the bees came back hungry. Feed and mite treatments were added before they were taken to California holding yards. Mite counts are reported to be fairly low and the colonies are bigger than previous years. Cold nighttime temperatures pretty much killed off any plants that had been providing a food source, especially in the far eastern parts of the state.

WISCONSIN
October temperatures were above normal over most of the month. The exception was the first weekend when temperatures dipped into the low to mid twenties across the state. Heavy killing frost was reported in many areas. Most periods of rainfall were heavy. Many areas experienced one to three inch rains during each period of rainfall.

Most beekeeper activity has been preparing colonies for overwintering by adding sugar water or candy boards. Fall treatment for mites had been completed by month's end.

The fall demand for honey improved as many fall festivals were in full swing. Honey and wax prices remained mostly steady for the month. Commercial demand continued to be slow with little bulk movement reported. Retail demand continued to be good.