> From: Bob Harrison > He does listen to the most prominet beekeepers in the > state and use those to inspect other beekeepers hives. Zero > problems so far. > They can not however sign the inspection permit for their own hives I have > been told. In TN, deputy inspectors (about 11 in state) can sign certificates for others who are moving or selling in the state. All are VOLUNTEERS, working in their spare time, and are reimbursed a small amount to help pay gas (which it does not do, when inspecting one or two hives at a sight). I assume they can sign for their own bees, as we also have a "self-certifying" program for larger beekeepers -- have the previous state apiarist's boss (apiarist removed by budget cuts, boss now filling his job also.) watch over your shoulder, give you a certificate and you "inspect yourself". Neither will do for moving bees out of state -- that requires "state apiarist" himself (which is the one allowing you to self-certify, above). > I did voice my disproval to the state bee inspector of Illinois at a > Illinois state bee meeting I attended about wanting to have the beekeeper > get a permit & inspection in Illinois EVERY TIME YOU MOVED HIVES FROM ONE > COUNTY TO ANOTHER. In TN, even moving to next door (a new address) technically would require inspection w/in a specified time period (but, not each time). All bees being sold must be inspected first. Of course, there is apparently little penalty in the law -- one commercial beekeeper imported hive beetle to south-east corner of state, had it verified by (previous) state apiarist, refused to treat, moved it to north-west corner of state (where is spread to many counties and two other states, as well as advancing up east end of state, then spread to mountain areas by those after sourwood). Karen :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::