After a long New England winter, we cracked open the hives for our first inspections of the season. Here's what we found — and what it means for the colony heading into spring.
Winter Survival — What We Look For
The first spring inspection is always a bit nerve-wracking. You never quite know what you're going to find after months of cold. We check for a laying queen, healthy brood patterns, adequate food stores, and any signs of disease or pest pressure. This year, we're happy to report all colonies made it through in solid shape.
Brood Patterns and Queen Activity
A good brood pattern — solid, compact, and consistent — tells us the queen is healthy and laying well. We found beautiful patterns across the hives, which is an excellent sign heading into the spring buildup. The colonies are expanding quickly and forager activity is already picking up as the early spring flowers start to bloom.
What's Next
With the colonies looking strong, we'll be adding medium honey supers over the next few weeks as the nectar flow begins. We'll keep up weekly inspections through May to stay ahead of any swarm preparations. It's shaping up to be a great season!