> Can anyone point me to a definitive publication outlining the definitions of > what numbers of hives differentiate a hobbyist from a sideliner from a > commercial beekeeper? My understanding is 50 hives or less constitutes a > sideliner; 51-250 constitutes a sideliner; > 250 is commercial. I need an > authorative definition, one that will stand up in court. Unfortunately, a definition is not that simple. The distinction is primarily determined by what portion of a person's normal income is from the beekeeping operation. That is further complicated by the question of whether the person has an adequate income to live, extraordinary income in one year, is retired, etc. It is conceivable, but not common -- or easy -- to make a living from the activities surrounding, and products from, as few as 50 hives. What a person says he is, advertises he is, and how he spends his days have some bearing too. If a man claims to be a doctor and has a full-time medical practice, then he may also conceivably own a commercial bee operation, or own part of one, but is more likely to be considered a doctor. But if he has hired adequate help and does the proper commercial things, he may well be considered a commercial operator. Different jurisdictions and associations have their own definitions for their own purposes. I am afraid that the definition of each category depends on the use to which it is being put. One thing is clear: if the beekeeper does not ever produce significant income or manage in a manner indicating clear intent to make a consistent net profit, then he/she is a hobbyist in the eyes of all. allen http://www.internode.net/HoneyBee/ --- No small art is it to sleep: it is necessary for that purpose to keep awake all day. -- Nietzsche