>Bad seasons (we had a bad drought here ending pretty much in 2011 but was essentially about 5 years in the making) and this impacts not only the quantity of nectar gathered but also the quantity and quality of pollen.
Yes - this is one of the few things that you can forecast accurately. Poor season = less bees, queen shuts down early, fewer young bees going into winter. Even worse if the autumn (September/October here) is bad as there is then the double impact of less late brood rearing and inadequate pollen stored ready for the start of the next season.
Best wishes
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W
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