That’s right - it’s honey time in the Riverina and for seasoned hive-master Mike James, it’s a new year worth waiting for.

“We’ve just come off an extra long winter season so it’s been tough for us,” he said.

“Now the rain has affected our river red gums but that’s just Mother Nature, I guess.”

While the honey might not be flowing freely, interest in beekeeping has swarmed throughout the Wagga region.

“We we first set up the Wagga Beekeeping Club, we only had eight members,” Mr James said.

“Now, more than 65 people from Wagga and surrounds attend our meetings.”

Mr James believes growing attendance is indicative of a cultural shift back to self-sustainability.

“It’s all about looking after yourself, being healthy and being self sufficient,” he said.

“It’s like growing your own veggies - you’re outside and interacting with your environment, not stuck inside on a computer.”

Hive robberies will begin shortly, with CSU beekeepers hopeful for a healthy honey haul in the coming months.