Yes, shortage of bee colonies does exist.  In the following article:
 
  1996  Wenner, A.M. and W.W. Bushing.  Varroa mite spread in the United
States.  BEE CULTURE.  124:341-343 (June issue).
 
we included a graph, one modified from a government publication (authors
Hof and Willett).  The U.S. now has about half the number of colonies it
did in 1950.
 
                                                Adrian
 
***************************************************************
* Adrian Wenner        E-Mail   [log in to unmask]  *
* Dept.Ecol.,Evol.,& Mar.Biol. Office Phone    (805) 893-2838 *
* University of California     Lab Phone       (805) 893-2675 *
* Santa Barbara, CA  93106     FAX             (805) 893-8062 *
*                                                             *
*  "The difference between real and unreal things is that     *
*  unreal things usually last much longer."  Pot-Shots #6728  *
*     Copyright, Ashleigh Brilliant -- used with permission   *
 
***************************************************************