an Anne Bennett snip... 
I'm surprised that among all the talk about classes, books, beekeeping
clubs, and mentoring, no one has mentioned the business model that
got me into beekeeping: a Montreal company exists which will,
for a fee, place a hive on your property (or possibly rooftop),
come and maintain it, and while doing so, teach you the ropes.
(I think they've expanded to Toronto as well recently.)

my comment...
I am somewhat amazed at how many different new business models this new interest in beekeeping has generated. We have some similar program(s) here Anne although at least one of these appears to be nothing more than a con man working the crowd. 

The downside > sadly this monetary success has generated a bit of insulation for some new beekeeper who have gone commercial and whom in my personal opinion (based on personal observation) are simply practicing 'bad beekeeping'.  Hopefully no one here things this 'trend' only applies to folks with one or two hives???

The upside> many of my nuc customers here are older couples that have acquired some bit of property in the country.  The first year the man is in charge but by season two 'the lady of the house' is totally in charge.  Beyond the chuckle I have when I witness this directly.... it does give me the idea that beekeeping for these folks is something they do as a couple and if they have children or grandchildren often times they are also involved in the process.  All eventually mention to me directly that learning something new is not only a challenge but also a large benefit of learning to be a beekeeper.  One of the larger benefits is it gets these folks outside and to some degree more connected to the season and mother nature.  At the group level even folks with quite different political belief discover that they have a common interest with their neighbor.  IMHO anything that build family and social connection is a benefit that is difficult on which to place a $ value.

Gene Ash    

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