The recent criticisms of Maine's Master Beekeepers has me wondering why 
I am contemplating taking the Master Beekeeper Exam at EAS next summer.  
I hope my motives are in keeping with the spirit of the program.   In 
part I view the the program as a way to judge how much I really know 
about honey bees and as a hobbyist with about 30 hives there is only so 
much I can do with my bees as "proof." (As an example I'm fortunate to 
have lived in an area without much AFB and have never had to deal with it)

Do I think the knowledge gained in the process of pursuing the Master 
Beekeeper designation will make me a better beekeeper and consequently a 
better bee school teacher?  Of course.

Do I think that once I have the designation my bees will become 
magically immune to pests and predators?  Of course not.

Do I think that commercial beekeepers in my area (I live in wild 
blueberry territory) will seek me out with job offers and genuflect in 
my presence?  Absolutely not!

Regardless if I decide to pursue the designation I intend to keep 
learning about bees and sharing that knowledge as I can.   Reading Bee-L 
every day is part of my continuing education.  I tend to keep my fingers 
off the keyboard here preferring to keep my mouth shut and ears open.

- Jonesboro, Maine (on the coast)


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