Besides running a small local commercial honey farm. We also keep a handful of hives in the yard. We started 3 packaged hives this year in our hives with all starter plastic frames. We had 2 of the 3 swarm on us, but they both recover quickly. We are located in Western Wisconsin and have good nectar sources near. Between all 3 hives we pulled 175lbs of raw honey. How did your honey harvest go?

What are your must have monitoring aspects for your hive or apiary?

I have loads of bees wax and I don't want to make candles. Does anyone have any recipes they would like to share for lip balm or a lotion balm?