Local beekeepers prepare hives for harsh winter weather

For most of the year, the drone of bees fills in the air as the insects’ buzzing is a constant hum. Honey bees are active from spring to fall and during that time, thousands of bees work tirelessly to collect pollen and nectar to produce honey. As winter nears, the bees’ excited buzzing fades to silence. For local beekeepers, winter is a time not to produce honey for consumer consumption, but a time for preparation for the spring.

Doyle Johnson, an attorney and the owner of Classic City Bee Company in Athens, says the art of beekeeping, like farming, is “an agricultural practice” requiring much diligence. In this way, Johnson’s day mirrors that of the bees.

“My activity follows the bees’ activity,” Johnson says. “When they’re active, I’m active.”