Meaning

A swarm in May is worth a load of hay

The meaning of the phrase

The later it is in the year, the less time available for bees to collect pollen from flowers in blossom

A swarm in May is worth a load of hay

Historical trend

“worth a load of hay” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • worth a load of hay