Hello Bill & All,
Bill wrote:
>             From those out there who believe global climate change is
> now a fact a life, I would like to read how you are
>         adjusting your beekeeping  techniques to deal with it.
>             Your location would help.

I have shared in the archives recently about the ways I have adjusted but
let me share the farming reality.

I watch the program AG Day daily (DVR) and have for years. I meet with
Farmers in my area weekly & at times daily. I farm on a small scale but not
like Big Ag.

Recent developments. Brazil expects a crop this year of 80 metric tons of
soybeans. Ever since climate change has been kicking U.S. farmers butts
South America & China have been expanding their growing capacity. Changes in
the areas of the world corn & beans are grown will happen.

Areas are expanding almond acres like Australia. I actually harvested some
almonds the last two years from trees I brought back from California on a
bee truck and planted.

A massive farm operation in Decatur , Michigan went into bankruptcy this
week. Stamp Farms.
40,000 acres. 4 million owed to Monsanto ( among 200 creditors)

* for those reading which may not realize* credit is a large part of
profits. I have read GMAC (General Motors Automotive Credit) is the most
profitable part of General Motors.
You make the products and then finance the product. Works great as long as
you get your money.
Large seed and chemical companies supplying farms make huge profits from
financing seeds and chemicals.

If farms start going into bankruptcy the the suppliers of the items needed
to farm are going to take a hit also.

Ag Day predictions for next year are warmer & drier. 20% increase in store
meat prices and  further reductions in cattle herds.

To be informed people need to take a break from "Dancing with the Stars" or
"How I met Your Mother" and spend 30  minutes once in awhile watching Ag
Day. granted the program advertisers are the people which supply products to
Farmers but the program is a reality check on the dire straits U.S. farming
is in today.

Look for my posts Bill in spring. If the drought continues in the Midwest
( as predicted) I will be sharing what my plans will be. Watch the show AG
Day Bill! Comes on early in the morning when most people except for farmers
and beekeepers are asleep.

Sincerely,
Bob Harrison
Northwest Missouri USA

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