Hi
I have been reading BEE-L for almost two years, although this is my first
post.  I receive it in digest form at work (I was never sure if I could
reply via that format.) I read it first thing in the morning and really
enjoy it. I feel like I know some of the regulars. It is a great source
of info.
 
Anyway, the reason I am writing is a question I have.  I have a small
operation, 23 colonies AM (after mites), in eastern PA. A friend, who runs
about 150 colonies, and I were talking about yields per colony.  Then  he
told me he was looking to move.  The reported average per colony in PA is
about 40 lbs. although most good colonies will easily double or triple
that in a good year. But that is still not a lot of honey compared to some
locations that report 200 -300 lbs per colony.  We still have the same
cost per colony but not the yield.  He is not interested in a migratory
operation. He has mentioned the Dakotas, Montana region as an area he has
read about.
 
So, here it is.  A chance for you to say "mine is bigger than yours". We
would like some info, good or bad, on different areas of the US.  Not to
offend members outside the US, please  feel free to respond although I don't
think he wants to go that far. If you would rather respond directly
that's great but I think this could start a fun string for a while. One
request; please keep the exaggeration to a mimimum, he will take this
information very serious.
 
One final note, I travel a lot in my job, primarily Northwest and
Southwest, and I am always hoping to meet other beekeepers.  If you are
in Seattle, Portland, or Phoenix areas, send me a note.  Maybe we can meet
over coffee ( I'll buy).
 
Thanks,
Ron Bogansky
Milk & Honey Farm
Kutztown, PA