Lake Effect Apiaries

08/22/2026

I have been playing around with a few new molds the last couple of days in preparation for fall…..and winter (yes, we all know that follows way too quickly)! I am loving these designs, but was shocked to discover candle molds took a 62% jump in cost just over last year! 😳
I will just have to work a little harder I guess to make up for that difference….😂

08/20/2026

Today begins the season of many days extracting this year’s honey. So far, it is looking like we may have the best honey production we’ve seen in many years if the comb quality is any indication! ❤️

08/08/2026

A watch out for my U.S. friends.... our government is making some poor decisions regarding our industry.

FOOD PYRAMID - In the new Dietary Guidelines published by the Department of Health & Human Services under Secretary Kennedy, it has apparently categorized honey the same as sugar claiming it should be reduced or eliminated as an unhealthy "added sugar" ingredient in their "Real Food" program. Classifying honey as an "added sugar" has caused existing programs and research grants related to honey being cut or discontinued. For example, the Utah Dept of Ag and Food - Food Security Grants will no longer support honey related programs due to the new HHS classification of honey as an added sugar.
https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf

BEE LAB CLOSING - The USDA has shut down the Beltsville Bee Lab that leads honey bee disease research and provides free disease testing for any US beekeeper.
https://theconversation.com/shutting-down-federal-bee-labs-threatens-bees-beekeepers-and-the-us-food-system-283358

IMPORTED FAKE HONEY - There is a lack of regulations and controls around the import of adulterated or fake honey from global suppliers. There are no consistent sampling & testing requirements to prevent fake syrup-based honey from entering the US... and 83% of all honey sold here is imported. Also, the USDA does not allow any domestic honey to be labeled "organic", but foreign honey that is imported can be called organic. Follow this link to sign a petition around better controlling honey quality & imports. Remember - Buy Local. https://form.jotform.com/262024349403147

08/08/2026

Good Morning! Today (10am-5pm) and tomorrow (10am-4pm) I am at the Gold Coast Artisan Fair at Rotary Park in downtown Ludington. So far it is turning out to be a gorgeous weekend to walk through a fantastic craft fair! 😁

08/06/2026

Too funny not to share! 😂

*And no, honey will never be a ‘you-pick’ operation! Lol

08/01/2026

https://www.wilx.com/2026/07/31/wildfire-smoke-disrupts-bee-navigation-msu-researcher-finds/?fbclid=IwdGRjcATaPyNwZG9mBWZkaWQWULrZKfOvtpTw45QLFcZsqLC3sMiwS2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4iwb53l3J4xPKzaGh9cHoHwSdsHmrHZPm9DAbEAisymJNmyhDrN60GlyAXDQ_aem_MiK_0P9Bf_CjqGY8kHrjEw

MSU entomologist found bees lost ability to navigate during smoke events

08/01/2026

https://www.wilx.com/2026/07/31/wildfire-smoke-disrupts-bee-navigation-msu-researcher-finds/?fbclid=IwdGRjcATaO3hwZG9mBWZkaWQWULrKtudBhAMk7NF6J1Y1QiMBROzPNGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5lsU5AIr0V2T9YpNGBEJr7BGfMjD9gvfQ6O07gFXiLa-LJxlU7SEO1Ifch6Q_aem_O-rz4wTizZtzWPr-_F2tog

MSU entomologist found bees lost ability to navigate during smoke events

07/28/2026

An interesting article to read as they are facing some of the same challenges we are currently…as are several other operations in the USA

Being a beekeeper is harder than ever, but David Bradshaw is determined to protect his hives.

07/25/2026

This is what happens when you bring your kids to work with you…you get entertained by them making pretty chalk art drawings. ❤️
*at Montague Farmer’s Market

07/08/2026

The bad news folks? I just put the final three buckets of Blueberry Blossom honey from last year into the bottling tank….and once it’s gone, it’s gone. We were unable due to the cold spring/multiple freezes in May and cold first part of June to produce that excellent honey varietal this year, and the same story has been true of other beekeepers we’ve checked in with around the state.

The good news? Boy, do we have a treat for you beginning at Pentwater Farmer’s Market tomorrow! If you’ve never had naturally creamed trefoil honey, it’s nothing short of amazing. Trefoil is part of the Fabaceae family, and therefore has a higher fructose to glucose nectar ratio preventing it from ever fully solidifying and instead forming a rich smooth easily spreadable crystallized honey. It literally melts in your mouth. 😋

The other good news? Michigan is one of a VERY short list of states this year NOT in a terrible drought state after six long years of drought conditions. We are also in the midst of a heavy Basswood nectar flow that the honeybees are duly taking every advantage of. We’ve been enjoying the heavy floral scent the last few days from a couple of trees in our front yard. Praise the Lord! ❤️