Kempsey beekeeper Daryl Brenton on the impact of drought and fire

Other beekeepers in the region have noted environmental changes are having a devastating impact on the bee population, which has resulted in a lack of honey production.

The Macleay region, along with majority of other areas across the state, has missed out on vital rainfall. It's a resource which ensures the cycle of bee to honey production remains intact.

It's a challenging time for beekeepers, Mr Brenton said, as they explore options for where to move their bees to ensure they have a chance at producing honey.

Mr Brenton's The Beekeeper business employs around six staff, but have more on board when business is buzzing.

He said staff keep busy, as they help on his father's beef farm when needed.

The Beekeeper business has about 1500 hives across 12 different apiaries.

Mr Brenton explained in the lead up to a drought, beekeepers can still remain productive as trees will keep producing nectar for a period of time, due to their bigger system.

However coming out of a drought, it takes longer for nature to recover. Bees won't fly during rain events to collect nectar, which means they won't produce honey.

Mr Brenton said while trees might produce buds after six months due to rainfall, it could take another two years for the buds to flower and supply bees with valuable nectar source.

The beauty of beekeeping, Mr Brenton said is that unlike farming, beekeepers aren't confined by fences.

They have the freedom to move their bees to other areas, where the environmental conditions might be more favourable.

However, Mr Brenton said recently there have been limited options for moving bees to locations, due to the drought impacting majority of the state.

He gave an example of where six months ago many people moved their bees to a location off the Bucketts Way, down south.

They moved the bees there as the location had received rain.

However, Mr Brenton said the location had become crowded for the bees and they haven't been producing honey.

"Really we're just keeping them alive there," he said.

Two of Mr Brenton's apiaries burnt in the recent bushfire crisis, which impacted the Mid North Coast.

He estimated a dozen sites were lost, where the business would normally place hives.

Mr Brenton said it will be about three to five years for the environment to recover in some places, before they will be able to host bees again.

The Beekeeper business has been asked to supply other beekeepers in Queensland with honey.

Mr Brenton said one beekeeper asked for 15 tonnes and he had to turn him down, as he didn't have the amount.

Mr Brenton is considering taking some of his bees to other states to hep with the pollination process of food crops later in the year.

However it's a move he'd rather not resort to, due to the long travel time involved for the animals.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Macleay Argus. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.