Morden area beekeeper and Chair of Manitoba Beekeepers' Association, Mark Friesen, says he's heard some disaster pockets of hive survivorship from the winter.

Friesen is currently assessing his hives, and although so far, his hives are looking good, a colder than typical spring has slowed down the bees quite significantly.

What he's heard the areas hardest hit were north of Dauphin and Beausejour, along with other remote locations that might have been hit with different precipitation amounts, affecting bees heading into winter.

However, there is some good news for beekeepers, with honey markets seeming to remain stable, says Friesen.

"I think people do realize there are health benefits to eating honey, and the demand should increase somewhat when people know it's a healthy product and want to use more."