When I first used that phrase, many years ago, it was directed more toward climate than practices. Each of us has local conditions that mold our beekeeping. The problem I saw with many posts was they universalized practices in one area as the norm for all areas. Every time we get into discussions about wintering practices, location clouds the issue. It gets even more cloudy when you read about practices within a few miles of the Arctic Circle, but find their winters are actually milder than yours. I am a bit sorry I ever borrowed and modified the phrase (Tip O'Neil originated it- All politics is local- have a nice signed photo of both of us "Many thanks for your friendship and kindness", sent after one of his close friends called him and tried to get me fired but failed). The phrase can be used to justify local practices that might work but are dead wrong. When I started beekeeping I relied on several local beekeepers for information. This was pre mite. I had limited success and was right there with the average yields per super for the state. So I thought I was doing everything right. Locally I was doing what everyone else did. It was not until I listened to real beekeepers, Tony Jadczak and George Imire, that I found out how wrong I was. George lives in an entirely different climate than I, but when I shifted to his methods, my bees were healthier and honey yields increased five fold. All beekeeping is not local. There are right ways and there are wrong ways. The problem is bees are forgiving. You can kill off a quarter or more of the colony because of your practices and they just have to try harder to survive your incompetence. I found that out recently. I thought I had arrived but know I am far from it. I thought I was very smart in growing my own queens for my area. For quite some time I enjoyed exceptional success, but I am now a convert to buying queens and requeening with known stock. That is what Tony and George do, but I though I found the grail. Instead I was breeding bees that were prone to Sacbrood. There are fundamental truths to keeping bees. All beekeeping is not local, but climates are and they do influence beekeeping and all agriculture (along with donning bikinis). So some beekeeping is local but fundamental truths still apply. "Successful beekeeper" is a relative term. As a hobby beekeeper I see the same off-the-mark comments by some on the list that I shared years ago. So I will pen a new slogan for the list. Bees can mask incompetence. Bill Truesdell (who is shifting to lurk mode- I am getting too cranky) Bath, Maine :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::