I started bees with the  hope of becoming a relaxed full time
$$$beekeeper$$$ (the dream).    I soon realized it is not easy or
profitable for my skill level and location(the reality).  I now try to
keep 30 hives, but lost 3/4 last winter.    I am still doing splits in
late June to get back up.  (late deliver of queens, poor population,
etc.....and yes, I fed early spring, and treated last fall.)    Only a
few hives have honey supers.    About 1/3 are still in single hive
bodies.   I am now in my sixth year of effort.  The first year, I had
one hive, starting from package and new frames.  That one hive filled
three supers of honey.  I have not seen a hive that good since.

As of today, expecting only a small honey crop from soybeans and fall
weeds.     Others around seem to do much better or they can lie better
than me.  I have looked at the professional beekeeper's hives and they
are much, much stronger than mine.  We are in the same area and  I
beleive having the same care and treatments!

I did change queen supplies this year, but really believe the queens are
not the  problem.    I enjoy selling and giving away what crop I have.
 I enjoy watching the bees.  I enjoy most aspects.   I enjoy trying to
improve.   Not everyone can be a good beekeeper.

Thus, what kind of beekeeper am I,  "disappointed but happy".


Dale Marmaduke
Greenwood, Indiana
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