Hi all,

The state of Alabama is not a state with a lot of monocroping that needs to 
be pollinated or that produces an abundant amount of nectar. Therefore bees 
in large numbers are not needed necessarily. Cotton will produce about 
10-15% greater yield with bees as proven by studies at Alabama A & M 
University. Cotton is a large crop in North AL.

Crops in Alabama that need bees are strawberries, apples. peaches, pumpkins, 
watermelons, cantaloupes, and probably some I have not named. Some orchard 
owners have their own bees and some rent.

I rent some to people that stay in the same place all year.

I cannot speak for the people in South Alabama that raise watermelon type 
crops, but in North Alabama we have some, not as many as years ago, feral 
bees that help local farmers.


We have beeks in towns that have bees on other people's property because 
they do cannot keep bees at home. I cannot keep bees at my house because my 
wife is very allergic to bees. Almost lost her once. Can't afford to take 
another chance. I have bees in several places around that stay all year.

Some move bees from one area to another within about 30 or 40 miles radius. 
This does not cause much problem as far as spreading disease and pests. Most 
pests just get there some way on their own.

Lionel
N. Ala. 

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