Allen Dick wrote:
> While the answers received here so far are typical of advice given by
> amateurs, and also what most of the the books recommend, they are not in
> line with what most commercial beekeepers in North America know to be
> true.
>
> Please consult the archives for lengthy and enlightened discussions,
> including the opinion that you need not even worry about a bit of active
> AFB -- if you do the correct things -- and of course the converse
> viewpoint(s).
>
> Also learn why you can start with brand new equipment and still are likely
> to get AFB.
 
It intrigues me to note that "amateurs" and "books" are so easily
discounted and "Commercial truth" elevated as correct beekeeping.
I believe that some commercial practices are based on expediency and not
necessarily good beekeeping. It is interesting that the day I spent with
the state inspector looking at just one commercial operation we found
two hives of AFB, and that from random sampling. I realize I cannot take
that day as typical, but it makes me a bit sceptical when I see
commercial practices touted as better than the advice of the books.
It should be recognized that beekeeping is still more art than science,
as is obvious from the many practices suggested in the BeeL. I would
hope that the voice of "amateurs", especially when the "books" agree
with them, not be so quickly dismissed. I have noted that after I post a
message there is quite a bit of off list traffic , some with excellent
informtion which should have gone on the list, but the sender would not
think of it because of the response they get.
Lets keep this an open forum and a little more "poster friendly",
especially for us amateurs.
Bill Truesdell
Bath, ME