PRINCESS ANNE, Md-Beekeepers have a lot to smile about as they gear up for their spring honey harvest.
According to many beekeepers we spoke with, their honey crop is looking a lot sweeter than last year.
Jim Leether, owner of Victory Garden Apiary in Princess Anne says this winter is going to yield a sweet payoff.
"It's been much milder than last winter. Last winter was pretty devastating to beekeepers in this area, it got very cold, very windy and it stayed that way for an extended period of time."
Leether says many colonies were able to survive because the weather was warmer, and there were less mites that killed their bee colonies. Leether says the cold weather makes it hard for bees to move and find their next source of food.
"If it gets very, very cold and these mites are affecting their ability to do that, they tend to die out."
But the warm weather is paying off for beekeepers who rely on honey sales, and commercial beekeepers who rely on pollination services.
It's also beneficial for local farmers markets like Williams Market in Salisbury.
"It is very important to have a very good bee season because honey is a very popular item for us, especially now, early spring," Kyle Hamblin said.
Beekeepers say warm weather means more bees, more honey, and honey at a reasonable price on shelves near you.