>I believe the press publishes such as this so that we Texans think the
>government is helping the poor farmer (or beekeeper) when in reality
>it's a political move.  I'm curious to see where that $1,400,000 goes.
>In addition to the bees, we have a dairy farm so we are familiar with
>these kinds of programs.  About all it seems to amount to is the ability
>for some politician to claim he or she helped the farmer which usually
>gets a few votes.  Then sometimes they give the producer a "token"
>payment.
>
>Of course, here in central Texas we've had one of the worst droughts on
>record.  I harvested NO honey from 36 hives simply because there was
>nothing for the bees to harvest.  There were several wild hives nearby
>that have died out (could have been from mites or pesticides though).  I
>lost at least 10 of my hives.  When I ordered replacement packages, I
>was told there were lots of folks that lost bees and they would be sold
>out shortly.  So...A&M may be right.
>
>I'd be interested to see what other Texas beekeepers have to say on this
>one.  I also will probably make my way to the local FSA office with my
>hand out for whatever "token" they make available for us...as I vote for
>that caring politician.  Well, maybe not.
>
>But this year WILL be better...
>Kathy Tate
>Stephenville, TX