Which of the following practices can help beekeepers support bee populations post-harvest?

Leaving adequate honey stores for bees or providing supplemental feeding is essential for supporting bee populations after the honey harvesting season. This practice ensures that bees have enough food to sustain themselves during periods when natural forage is scarce, such as in late fall or winter. Honey serves as a critical energy source, and if the bees are deprived of adequate stores, they may suffer from malnutrition, which can weaken the colony and reduce their chances of survival.

Supplemental feeding, if necessary, helps to fill the gap between what the bees need and what is available in the environment. This can involve providing sugar syrup or protein patties that mimic the nutrients found in pollen and nectar. Both leaving honey stores and supplemental feeding are proactive measures beekeepers can take to maintain strong, healthy colonies year-round, ensuring their resilience against diseases and environmental stressors.

In contrast, reducing hive numbers might not necessarily support populations, as fewer hives could limit genetic diversity and resilience of bee populations. Outdoor workshops, while beneficial for education, do not directly impact the health of current bee colonies. Requeening hives annually can improve genetic diversity and productivity, but it's not a direct strategy for providing sustenance to bees post-harvest. Hence, the focus on providing adequate food stores