The Massey

[KSQ2]

A few pics from the install today…
Bees from the purchased nuc:


Captured swarm bees:




All done…


And….planning to cut alfalfa tomorrow.

 

[KSQ2]

Well, the alfalfa adventure went to a new level today. Had some problems with the cylinder on the conditioner, it’s supposed to be a one way that bleeds off to lower, but it wouldn’t consistently do so. We will have a two-way cylinder on it by next cutting time; it was a royal pain and made the last of the cutting almost impossible. Other than that, everything went well enough. It’s a little early to cut, but we have a window according to the forecast and decided to take advantage of it. It’s not a great window, too cool, but it’s not supposed to rain for a while. Our next cutting SHOULD be much better, we’ll see. Here’s some pics. This is the end of the field that the deer hit the hardest, it was about a third again taller on the other end. Should be a lot taller the next cutting.

View from the barn

Lady bugs were doing their job, there were thousands of them. I’m glad we held off on the pesticide this spring.

 

[buckdeer1]

We used to buy lady bugs and throw them out in alfalfa fields to eat aphids

 

[KSQ2]

It was a long but FUN afternoon!




200 bales for 8 acres isn’t great, but it’s not horrible either, especially with the deer taking more than their share. lol

 

[KSQ2]

Sold the last of the first cutting today, not that’s saying a lot, the first cutting wasn’t that impressive. lol

 

[KSQ2]

Needing some rain on the alfalfa, need new grass growth before the next spray. We’re suddenly beginning to miss some rains, we’ve missed 2 good rains in the last 10 days by just a few miles. Not in bad shape by any means as of yet, but it is a little concerning for the rains already becoming way too localized.

 

[KSQ2]

Bees are going crazy on the Massey, I should have snapped a few pics. I’ll be putting another deep hive body on the swarm hive this next week, and removing the entrance reducer on the nuc hive.
We’re also trying to catch another swarm at the house, some scout bees are really checking it out, we’ll see what happens the next week or so.

 

[KSQ2]

Well, THAT didn’t take long.
I better get with it and get another hive kit ordered!

 

[catscratch]

Do ypu build your own traps? I have a hive, but haven't bought a nuke yo put in it. Have baited ot with lemongrass and bees wax but no takers. Have had almost no bees the last 2 yrs but this yr has been exceptional. Bees all over my clover plots.

 

[KSQ2]

Do ypu build your own traps? I have a hive, but haven't bought a nuke yo put in it. Have baited ot with lemongrass and bees wax but no takers. Have had almost no bees the last 2 yrs but this yr has been exceptional. Bees all over my clover plots.

A buddy built it for me. We just use lemongrass. Our first swarm I knew where the hive was, so that one was cheating a little bit. This one in our yard truly surprised me.