Bob Darrell, a Canadian, reported of hearing of a US pollinator who moved
his hives approximately 20 times (each hive!) to serve pollination
contracts.  Perhaps this is the same guy who lost 80% of his hives in late
2006/early 2007, and has publicly stated how many times he moves his hives.
I have heard such a presentation and it seems he is saying 'see the results
of good management'.  He publicly claims 20 moves a year for every hive!

This same guy said that in 2007 he grossed approximately $2,400,000 on Maine
blueberries alone!  He also pollinates cranberries, apples, Jersey
blueberries, cucumbers, pumpkins, etc.

Perhaps he is lying about all of this, but I think not.

I also know several or many beekeepers who move all or some of their hives
to Florida, or So. Carolina for part of the winter and then then back north
to pollinate apples or apples and blueberries, or apples and pumpkins, etc.

I think a good case can be made that the latter are practicing reasonable
animal husbandry, while the former is a danger to himself and all beekeepers
who cross his path.  Unfortunately, there are 'several' who strive for the
10/20 moves per year, but most are smart enough to keep quiet about it.  I
am glad to have the former as neighbors and have learned a lot from them.
The other guys may ruin beekeeping as a way of life, or as a hobby.

There is absolutely no question that they spread maladies faster than they
would otherwise spread.  I think the jury is still out on whether their
actions 'cause' the maladies.

All commercial pollinators are not 'bad', nor is commercial pollination an
unwise or unsafe practice.  But there are sure some questionable practices
out there, as well as some questionable characters.

Lloyd
-- 
Lloyd Spear
Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacture of equipment for round comb honey sections,
Sundance Pollen Traps, and producer of Sundance custom labels.
Contact your dealer or www.RossRounds.com

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