Gene writes: so say a nuc or package can produce X # of honey times Y $ per pound 

This is the general assumption, as state by Lois Willet in 1991:

> The key factor in determining the price for packages is the subjective expectation of the price beekeepers will receive for their honey output.  -- Willett, Lois Schertz. "An application of the rational expectations hypothesis in the US beekeeping industry."


However, here is a general summary of honey and package prices over the time I have been beekeeping:

Honey, wholesale
1975 	$.40
2000 	$.50
2015 	$2.09

2018 	$1.80-$2.65 

Bees, package 
1974 	$20
2000 	$31
2014 	$70. 
2019  	$130-$175

My rough calculation is that a package generally = about 60# honey, wholesale. This varies, of course, but is a pretty good rule of thumb. A commercial beekeeper would have to produce 60#to break even. A package in the hands of a skilled operator in a good area will yield 2-3 times that. As of December 20, 2018 - Retail prices at the Raleigh State Farmers’ Market: $13.00 per 16-ounce jar. 

🐝

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