Allen:
Bees that are strong swarm if the conditions merit.  That is how they
reproduce.  Bees that are weak, usually don't.  I recall having seen a swarm
in one of your yards on one of my visits in January, BTW, and it looked like a
pup swarm...Reply:
True,
strong colonies swarm, but not as many see today 1-2-3 times a year
IMPOV, and weak don't unless running/absconding away from bad
conditions which I think many are seeing. As for the pop swarm, I took
it as a last minute supercedure and a few workers going out with queen
and accompanying her to make sure she returned and this certainly is
written about in literature as being seen.

continuing:
Does anybody who makes a living from bees or science give this any credence? Has anyone done a controlled study?

Reply;
Yes,
since writing and doing the presentation have had many out to see for
selves, and some from Europe I would call capable of making a living
from beekeeping. But, as for controlled study? ................here we
go again, for where is the money for it, for short term quickie won't
work here for seeing over the life of a normal halthy laying queen in a
hive, say 3 years, and with a full beeyard or more to verify with.

continuing:
I think you may be the world's biggest
hobbyist.  700 hives

Reply:
Your opinion, but still 300 plus is commercial in USA 
unless criteria changed for noting.


Continuing:
Only if you can get a positive cash flow and return to capital and labour out
of it, averaged over a past five-year period.

Reply:
You mean I pay my bills year to year and show profit every 5th which sounds average
for agric doing? Last profit was 2004 with S. Korea and two sea containers. Now when 
will next one be????? Geeh, wonder if my paying bills will average out that way? Guess
we'll have to wait and see Allen...How about you by the way? You still got bees, or did 
you sell out or how you doing for your 5 year run?

Dee







****************************************************
* General Information About BEE-L is available at: *
* http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/default.htm   *
****************************************************