Some Wisconsin farm workers are already active!  Stephanie Hoff finds out how the honeybee population has mobilized from Brooke Nikkila-Sommerfeldt, WI State Apiarist and Apiary Program Coordinator. During mid-to-late February, nearly every migratory commercial bee colony in the U.S. is located in California for almond pollination. Beyond the risk of "bee spills" (truck accidents), moving bees long distances can lead to hive suffocation or overheating due to improper ventilation. Placing bees in single-crop environments, like almond groves, can lead to nutritional deficiencies because the bees lack a diverse range of pollen and nectar. Much like wood ticks carry Lyme disease to humans, Varroa mites can vector over 20 different viruses to honeybees, including the virulent deformed wing virus. Exposure to pesticides—common near agriculture or golf courses—can lower a bee's immune system, making them more susceptible to viruses and mites. While small flowers are great, "big blooms" from trees and shrubs are particularly beneficial for honeybees because they provide a large amount of resources in one location. 

Wisconsin weather woes continue with more rain in the forecast, and cooling temperatures.  Stu Muck explains that there's even a chance of snow for the weekend in some areas of the state.

Gardeners are just as frustrated as farmers about the weather delay's we're working through.  Kiley Allan talks with Scott Trudell who staffs the Plant Desk for The Bruce Company. While spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils are hardy enough to survive fluctuating temperatures, deciduous shrubs (such as lilacs and crab apples) are more vulnerable. If temperatures drop below the mid-20s, these should be covered with blankets or row covers to prevent damage.  Trudell says greenhouse inventory is arriving earlier than usual this year, featuring cold-tolerant flowers like pansies, sweet alyssum, and the increasingly popular hellebores.

Be patient.  That's the advice Dr. Shawn Conley, UW-Madison Extension Soybean Specialist is sharing with farmers.  Conley tells Pam Jahnke that with the high input costs operators are facing this year, the last thing you'll want to do is "mud in" the crop.