Here in Ontario, our inspection program is SO
important. Every hive is inspected yearly and
commercial beekeepers are usually given notice that
the inspector will be visiting.  
Is it not better to have an inspection program for:

1. Disease identification, management and
irradication. Identification of disease will prevent
spread of disease. So what if you have to quarantine a
bee yard because of AFB? Isn't that better for the
overall health of your local beekeeping industry and
your own outfit, than hiding it, or not being aware of
the problem at all??

2. Knowledge.  You can contact the inspector for
information and assistance. Inspectors are a wealth of
information and can help not only beginners but
experienced beekeepers. (Unless those experienced
beekeepers think they know-it-all!). 

3. Education. Our inspectors visit local association
meetings and workshops. Invaluable!

I could go on and on, but overall to have a healthy
beekeeping industry there must be an overseeing body
that polices, educates, and works with the
provincial/state treatment recommendations as
established by the State/Provincial Apiarist.

If you have a good outfit, you should be proud to show
it off.  And if you have disease identified, get over
the embarrassment and correct the problem. It's better
for everyone in the long run.

Liz Corbett
Business Manager
(and beekeeper)
NOD Apiary Products Ltd.
Frankford, Ontario, Canada


--- Lloyd Spear <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Mark is asking how we could possibly have an apiary
> inspection program
> without commercial beekeepers being among those
> employed as inspectors, and
> is asking that we consider asking Ag. & Markets to
> continue a program.  I
> have some thoughts, but would first like to hear
> more about which beekeepers
> might be deemed to *not* have a conflict of interest
> that would prevent them
> from being an inspector.  (Mark indicated elsewhere
> that hobbyist beekeepers
> might be acceptable.)  Is there a cut-off such as
> excluding those who rely
> on beekeeping or honey sales for their *primary*
> source of income?
> Alternatively, can those with less than ($5,000 ?)
> of gross income from
> beekeeping or honey sales be an inspector?
> 
> My thoughts are not yet fully developed, but I would
> be interested in a
> program with a primary focus on 'helping' beekeepers
> do a better job as
> beekeepers.  I agree with Mark's implication that
> most beekeepers welcome
> this part of an inspectors role.  I have absolutely
> no interest in an
> inspection program with AFB as the *primary* focus,
> but AFB should be one
> of several areas of inspector interest.
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Lloyd Spear
> Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
> Manufacture of equipment for round comb honey
> sections,
> Sundance Pollen Traps, and producer of Sundance
> custom labels.
> Contact your dealer or www.RossRounds.com
> 
> -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ
> and  other info ---
> 



	

	
		
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