Sugar Fork Farms

10/02/2026

My friend is closing shop. This is your last chance to get your hands on her amazing felt pieces. Do NoT procrastinate on this!

09/17/2026

Be a 🐝

06/27/2026

We noticed a new behavior from the swarm we captured, the bees that stayed apiary c, so we had to share what we learned with you….

What you’re watching is bees lined up on the landing board, rocking back and forth while wiping the surface with their front legs, and is what they call washboarding (also called "rocking" or "sweeping"). And it’s a completely normal, healthy colony behavior.

The Top Theories Behind
Washboarding
While the exact reason remains a mystery, beekeepers and researchers agree on a few main causes:
• Colony Cleaning: Bees may be scraping away old wax, propolis, or debris to keep the hive entrance hygienic and free of pathogens,
•”Sweeping" for a Purpose: It commonly peaks when the nectar flow slows down. Young worker bees do this to stay busy and "polish" rough surfaces where bacteria could thrive.
•Temperature Regulation: Some beekeepers notice an increase in this rocking motion on warmer days, often in conjunction with fanning, as a way to control the hive's internal climate.

Keep it here as we share what we observe and learn with you………

05/22/2026

Oh how I need this book. 🙄

Thanks Adrienne for recommending your cousin Kamon’s book. I look forward to reading, learning, and growing. 💛

05/19/2026

Sunday evening we were called about a random swarm at a friend’s neighbor’s house. The husband and I gathered our stuff and headed over, It was low and easy but because it was so late I forgot about taking pictures.

Early Monday, before the sun was up, hubby went back to get the box, full of the swarm to our new location and will be the emphasized bee part of our project in process. This picture was taken Monday afternoon, so far they seem to be staying. 🤞🏻

Bonus: Monday was my b-day so counting theses bees as a winky gift from God 🎁 🐝

05/11/2026

First walk out to Apiary B, May 11, 2026.

💛One hive is still good but has evidence that swarming occurred and irregularities in comb build out is present.
💔One hive is dead and gone.

We inspected the live hive, and fixed a couple broken frames. They were bringing in pollen and defending the hive, so I’m hopeful they’re make a full comeback.

05/11/2026

Glad to see more people talking about this! 🙌🏻

From parasitic Varroa mites spreading deadly viruses, to harmful pesticides and everyday household chemicals, pollinators face serious risks. On top of that, habitat loss from expanding development is stripping away the food and shelter they need to survive. Protecting pollinators starts with mindful choices by reducing chemical use and restoring natural spaces.

Learn more at indiana.clearchoicescleanwater.org/pledges/native-plants-and-pollinators/

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Queens out there! 💛 Enjoy your day even if it’s not the day you wanted! You are still seen and loved ~ by me and God!

05/09/2026

Second week of the Pendleton Indiana Farmers Market!!! Soooo good to be here!

The market on Saturday mornings is just a great place to bee. Unfortunately, I’m sitting out this season from being a vendor. Life be hittin hard at the moment ~ I’ve lost two hives from apiary a, shamefully haven’t been to apiary b, have a graduating high school senior, took another professional job position so haven’t been the bee stewardess that I should be. 😬 you know not vendoring this year was the hardest decision to make but it was a must!

Taking the market off this season will allow that time to be spent refocusing on the bees and coming back stronger than before. (Plus, I have a new something extra up my sleeve that needs attention if it’s to come to fruition. 😉)

But if you know me, you know how much I LooVe the market so I will be down here shenaniganing with friends, checking out all the new vendors, volunteering to sell cheeseballs with Tri Kappa and Open Hearts Open Purses tickets with South Madison Community Foundation as much as possible. Please say hello if you see me because conversing with all you lovely people is the bestest part and I’m already having FOMO! 🙄 It’s a real thing!

Now that I get to really, I mean REALLY shop again and not that quick fix on the way to and from the bathroom, I already have a few favorites but can’t WaiT to see what else I find this season…….

05/08/2026

For funzies we set up one of the dead hives from apiary a on our back porch. The bees were very curious about it multiple times over several days.

This was my April 21st observation caught on camera.