New Year Beekeeping Resolutions

[Bakersdozen]

Does anyone have any New Year's Resolutions, in regards to beekeeping, they would like to share?  Oh heck, it doesn't have to be exclusively about beekeeping, it could be about any goals you have for 2020!

[RAST]

Looks like a lot are like me and didn't make any.

[Bakersdozen]

I will start then.  I hope to increase my colonies by making splits.  I also plan to do timely queen replacements.

[PappyRick]

I have room (and personal ability) to expand by one hive to five.  Last year was my first year to overwinter hives - so, IMHO, I now claim beekeeper status.  Did not feel I could do that until I overwintered successfully.  All three of my hives survived.  Split to four last Spring.

So, current status is four hives, with one in a single deep.  Resolution is to solidify beekeeper status by babying these bees through this winter and splitting to five hives this Spring. 

[Bakersdozen]

I have room (and personal ability) to expand by one hive to five.  Last year was my first year to overwinter hives - so, IMHO, I now claim beekeeper status.  Did not feel I could do that until I overwintered successfully. 

So, current status is four hives, with one in a single deep.  Resolution is to solidify beekeeper status by babying these bees through this winter and splitting to five hives this Spring.

Congratulations on your success! I am glad you didn't give up.
Unfortunately, colony loss in the winter is a challenge for many new beekeepers.  As you have probably figured out, the secret is to determine what went wrong and then, in year's to come, ensure that it doesn't happen again.