north dakota i think has always been the leading 'honey' state, but no so in the last few years or so. this year was probably the best year for beekeepers in the state than it has been for sometime because of their severe drought. i have a couple commercial keep friends in the state and sideliner friends. keep in touch with them. this year we noticed, traveling across north dakota, it was 'green'. crops of alfalfa, sunflowers, etc, and hives located once again in areas of wild plants/flowers like sage, etc, and located across the state along I-94. more so than i have seen in a few years. it sure was cool to see! the couple keeps i know said it was a good year for them!