> I would bet most losses of colonies occur at the higher end of the economic damage scale and come from ignorance or wishful thinking
In my experience, this is true. Step back from the negative connotation attached to the word "ignorance" and see it simply means inadequately informed. Wishful thinking is absolutely rampant among beekeepers of all class.
Look at the discussion on wintering. Most beekeepers I know who have the ability to do so, get their bees out of the regions where the off season is six months long. Others simply depend on bees from the south to make up losses.
In the end, none of this requires any condemnation. We can simply observe what is working and what isn't; how people prevent and/or cope with losses.
Allen always used to say "if everyone is agreeing, nobody is thinking." But -- no need to point figures at people who think differently than you. I prefer the discussions when they are less riled.
Pete B
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