The North Carolina bee give away may have an interesting effect.  It is
likely that many of the neophyte beekeepers will lose swarms - especially in
the 2006 season.  The number of wild colonies available to agriculture will
increase.  If this stock is significantly varroa resistant, it might
ultimately encourage the return of bees to the wild.

How many 250 new beekeepers will remain in five years?  It will be
interesting to see, but that might not be the most important effect of the
free bees.

Larry Krengel
Marengo, IL  USA

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