HONEY PROSPECTS

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18256, 18 February 1931, Page 6

HONEY PROSPECTS

DOMINION CROP REDUCED DROP OF BO PER CENT. WAIKATO’S FAVOURED POSITION. It is anticipaed that this year’s New Zealand Honey crop will be only about ball' that of last year. In Taranaki it will probably fail below 50 per cent., and in Canterbury ’lie output will be even smaller still. Conditions in Southland are totally against any crop. Tilings are better in Hawke’s Bay, and if tiie crop is collected there if will probably reach normal. Waikato appears to be tiie most favoured honey producing district in'New Zealand. The crop here is expected to be at least equal to that of last year, and may exceed it. While the early spring was unfavourable to agriculture a good summer has been experienced, and those beekeepers who were not discouraged by the early cold and wet spells and who attended to their bees were ready for the reception of the honey when the flow commenced. Notwithstanding the somewhat deplorable conditions existing in the primary industries, there is a tendency among bee-keepers to increase their hives and output. The business is expanding, and improved methods are constantly in evidence. Recent statistics show that there are now in the Dominion 8500 beekeepers owning 150,000 colonies. Prices at present are firm, and it is anticipated that bulk supplies will range at about 6d per lb for fine white and old for light amber. The Auckland branch of the National Beekeepers’ Association held its annual field clay at the Ruakura State Farm to-day. There was a good attendance and some interesting demonstrations and lectures were given.