Hello Aaron & All,
Aaron wrote:
Can anyone point me to a definitive publication outlining the definitions of
 what numbers of hives differentiate a hobbiest from a sideliner from a
 commercial beekeeper?
Many publications and books give the authors opinion of the *number* of
hives  when each classification changes.
I refer to *commercial* beekeepers in my posts at times. Below is my
classification  of beekeepers as used in my posts.
Hobby beekeeper:
Keeps bees for hobby with little thought of profit.
Sideline beekeeper:
Works at beekeeping activities evenings and most weekends during the
beekeeping season. Has a full time job away from beekeeping. Trying to make
a profit and run as a business. Many of these are considered *not hobby* by
the IRS.
Commercial beekeeper:
These guys do beekeeping related activities every day during the beekeeping
season. All I refer to own enough equipment to qualify by the standard Aaron
posted. The largest had 24 employees years ago. The smallest are one person
operators. Most hire part-time workers in season and do large moves working
with other beekeepers.
Sincerely,
Bob Harrison
Ps. The world of migratory and commercial beekeeping in the U.S. is a
mystery to most people. Dave Green put the number of *commercial* beekeepers
in the U.S. at around 1400. Because of the *low profile* most commercial
beekeepers keep and with the lack of regulation we really don't know the
number. I would guess Dave's guess to be as good as the next but possibly
high for the industry today. The figure of 1400-1500 has been around since
before mites.