One need look no further back than the 1970s to see the stark contrast - who
these days brags that their hive made x lbs of honey and put out 2 swarms?
This was a common brag 100 years ago.


Many here James,  although as good beekeepers we try to avoid swarms by
correct supering and splits.  Lost 2 swarms myself this week just in my
yard.,  and despite REALLY REALLY bad weather,  production hives are in the
60Lb range just slightly below average,  and still have another month of
collection.


Many business models have 100% losses and still run constantly   Such as
chickens.  Except for a dang few yard birds,  most chickens live less than a
year,  and only lay one egg a day!  Compared to bees  they are darn slow....
and yet if you manage properly increases are easy.  Same with hog,  And many
other items.



TO say the model is unsustainable  flies in the face of facts.   Heck during
the height of the Varro issues many had 90%  lossess,  and as an industry
bounced right back.  
Yes things are a bit harder,    But not everyone is seeing 30% losses
either. Many of us have learned to keep losses down,  and almost all  of us
have learned how to compensate.  For example I just finished 200 july
splits.  Single frame splits.  Old queen and one frame of brood and bees.
75% of them will be overwintered.  I could cry about the 25% that don't  but
that's exactly what this whole claim is about.   Whining about losses
instead of focusing on victories.


Charles

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