In the documentary "Vanishing of the Bees" (which is about far more than
simply the neonics) the views of commercial beekeepers are expressed as well
as the organic beekeepers view.
I get emails all the time asking about discussing the documentary but I
always reply "Until the beekeepers entering the discussion have saw the film
in my opinion a waste of my time!"
The migratory viewpoint vs. the organic viewpoint was discussed. in the
film:

> > But in the end, who really cares what the genetic make-up of a
> honeybee colony is, if they carry the desired traits which are beneficial
> to beekeeping?

In the film:
The organic view was a queen should *live* up to five years and instrumental
insemination is causing problems.

The commercial viewpoint (concerning who really cares about the genetic
makeup) is to requeen each year with a daughter of a breeder queen ( some
inseminated) which hard to deny keeps AHB genetics in control (think the
recent preacher discussion) and we all know the older the queen gets the
urge to swarm more than a new queen.

The most progressive beekeepers today might use one race for honey
production, requeen for a certain pollination and then use a excellent
winter to queen to winter on. The method was first observed in China by
beeks taking the China beekeeping tour.

I will add one other comment on the film:
Directed to commercial beekeepers.

When you hear Dee Lusby describe her opinion of why commercial beekeeping
has become what it has consider her opinion. In point I agree with her. Dee
does not blame us and understands the choices we were forced to make to stay
in business.

"The Vanishing of the Bees" is on netflics now and if you do not get
netflics all of us have friends that do! All beekeepers should see the film!
Purchase a DVD. I did.

When enough beeks have saw the film lets discuss.

Impressive list of persons interviewed speaking on today's bee issues.

Brian A. described the film as fiction.
Easy for me to tell Brian has never watched the film.


bob

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm