We are now focused on getting the 2019 crop into barrels and the bees treated for parasites. I never get tired of bringing home the first loads, priming the system, and getting the first few barrels full. Since the crop looks better than average this year, we have a busy several weeks ahead of us.

Heavier loads mean more miles for the truck. I can only fit the crop from one large yard or two medium-sized yards on the truck this year. It goes faster when two or three full yards fit on one load, though we are happy to have the honey!

I carefully tested the extracting system before getting serious about a big harvest day, but naturally a couple of things went wrong anyway. The drive pulley on one of the extractors loosened up, slipped down the reel, and started grinding a bolt head. I messed with it for hours before my dad came over and magically got it to squeeze on the reel properly. I'm not sure what we did differently together, but it is operational again!

Now we just have to keep riding the system until the work is done. May the weather and equipment cooperate!

I also have a story about our new honey pump. That tale is not over yet, so we will have more to come!