[log in to unmask] (mailto:[log in to unmask])   writes:

these  are just the same beekeepers in the news for the last 3-4 months. I 
have  
seen little new losses reported in any of these  stories


There's a big difference between beekeepers who have the problem,  and the 
few beekeepers who are willing to talk to reporters.  Lance  and Dave Hackenberg 
are unusual in their willingness to share their stories of  the importance of 
beekeeping and their insights into the lives of beekeepers as  well as their 
losses.
 
The NY Times reporter called me last week to say that the front page story  
featuring Lance and other beekeepers generated more letters and e-mails than 
any  other recent report -- and that the public surprised them in the outpouring 
of  concern and suggestions for helping beekeeping.  That one story gave  
beekeeping in the U.S. a real boost in terms of public awareness of the  
importance of this industry.
 
Lance and Dave ARE not the only beekeepers sustaining these losses. New  
losses occur every day - one of the nation's large and most respected beekeepers  
lost most of his operation two weeks ago, another joined the ranks last  
Wednesday.
 
MANY large beekeepers DO NOT and WILL NOT talk about this with the  press, or 
even many of their fellow beekeepers.  Some will report it to the  CCD or via 
our survey site.  The most common request on the returned  surveys - DO NOT 
SHARE my answers with any state bee  inspector.   Others are concerned about 
sharing any information  with other beekeepers. 
 
Beekeepers have told us that they worry that the growers will hear that  they 
have CCD and refuse to contract bees from them.  They don't want to  see 
inspectors looking for off-label chemicals.   They think, and  rightly so, that 
other beekeepers will think that they are poor managers of  bees.  They also 
think other beekeepers will object to having their hives  nearby.
 
Jerry
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