>it would be boring if everyone agreed with Bob and Allen and Randy...no? Huh? I hardly feel that Bob, Allen, and I think in lockstep! We debate in a (usually) friendly manner to arrive at "truths" and to dispel misconceptions. Brian, although certain commercial beekeeping practices certainly add stresses to the bees, I again stand to offer my own operation as a reality check. I have run to the same locations for thirty years, and changed my management little, except for varroa treatments (nonsynthetic for ten years now). I also did essentially zero supplementary feeding of syrup or pollen supp until two years ago. My colonies used to thrive and make honey, and be ready for almonds with no help, other than me moving them from good pasture to good pasture (those that I left stationary in the foothills near home generally died). I can affirm that it is harder to keep bees alive than it used to be. My own operation demonstrates that our current problems cannot simply lay the blame upon migratory beekeeping practices. I applaud Kathy on her excellent post. Somebody needs to do the migratory pollination job--bees cannot survive in areas of extensive monoculture. Brian, I also applaud your motivations, but I do feel that you are a bit heavy on the blame game. Randy Oliver *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Access BEE-L directly at: http://community.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-LSOFTDONATIONS.exe?A0=BEE-L