Dear beekeepers in UK,

Just returned to the US from a lovely trip to the UK.

I was amazed at the amount of rape (canola) that I saw.  I
looked at the fields when I had the chance, but did not see
any bees.  Most that I saw was passed peak bloom.  The only
bees that  I saw were in the Kensington Garden in London.

I wish that I had paid more attention to the past posts that
were on the list some time back about the rape.  Last time I
was in the UK, about three years ago, I did see the bees
working the fields of rape.

It is my understanding that the government subsidizes the
growing of the rape.  Why?  I saw no corn or soy beans.  Why
is there so much rape?  Is it mainly used as fodder for cows
and sheep?  Is there a lot of oil made from the seed for
frying oil and margarine?  Is it just the area I was in that
grows so much rape?  (countryside of London and the
Salisbury Plain)

How about the honey?  Do you get a good crop?  Colour?
(color).  Any specifics?

Rape sure does make beautiful fields of yellow.

William A. Bartlett
19124 Lake Drive
Leonardtown, Maryland 20650
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38.25 N, 76.60 W