Greeting! this is my first attempt to post on BEE-L, however I have been lurking for some time. The issue of overpaid beekeepers is laughable no matter where the beekeeper comes from. The California beekeeper has a huge cost of living disadvantage, be it cost of real estate, rent or labor issues for his/her employees. If the out of state beekeepers can't overcome their advantage regarding the cost of living, then clearly they need to re evaluate the migratory part of their business. If the California beekeeper can't compete, the same holds true. If the Farmer can't get enough bees do the job, there will be a cheap orchard for sale at the end of the season, and the cost of California real state will drop proportionately. Giles is on the right track regarding beekeepers holding out for reasonable prices, however, the large orchard owners, and particularly brokers  are not allies but employers.
	Fraternally, Tom Lewis Martinez Ca.

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