Kim -
Very interesting, Although the weight of the equipment is of great interest
to the larger (number of colonies, that is) beekeepers, I have never heard a
small-timer quit because of weight - Change to medium, yes. Quit no. And
most beekeepers are small-timers.
> Time away from the job and volunteer work to do bees
> Money enough to buy the equipment
At that point in life opportunities exist. I meet many potential beekeepers
who are drawn by the altruistic values of keeping bees. Time + money + an
interest in improving the environment.
> 20% have gone to the big beeyard in the sky
> 50%, yes, 50% quit because their colonies died, and, by their
> determination, of varroa mites
> 25%, yes, 25% quit because they are tired of buying 3 or 4 queens every
> year for a colony...this by their determination
Amazing, a 20% fatality rate! Again testifying to the aging beekeeper. I
wonder if AARP has that high of a rate.
The 50% need help to deal with the discouragement. They take the death of
the colony personally. Indeed, those who know (or think they do) can pitch
in and help.
And - ah, yes - the quality of queens continues to be poor. Reasons TBD.
Of about 20 nubees I helped get started this year 25% experienced a queen
loss. Do even the commercial beekeepers have that many queen failures? How
do we help here?
> Now, think how many people belong to associations....and how many don't.
Indeed, a mentor is the best antidote to disappointment. Good info, Kim.
Thanks.
Larry Krengel
Marengo, IL
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