Despite summer heat, honey harvest in Saxony is good, but the number of bee colonies is…

Despite summer heat, honey harvest in Saxony is good, but the number of bee colonies is declining. The heat caused a shortage of pollen as many plants dried out and bloomed less. This forced many colonies to pause brood rearing; bees also used much energy on hot days to collect water and cool the hive, consuming more honey reserves themselves.

A nationwide online survey involving over 100 Saxon beekeepers showed an average honey yield of 46 kilograms per colony in the state, above the national average. The year 2026 is considered a very good nectar year. Final results from the Saxony Beekeepers Association on honey yield are expected in early November.