>it would be boring if everyone agreed with Bob and Allen and Randy...no?

Huh?   I hardly feel that Bob, Allen, and I think in lockstep!  We debate in
a (usually) friendly manner to arrive at "truths" and to dispel
misconceptions.

Brian, although certain commercial beekeeping practices certainly add
stresses to the bees, I again stand to offer my own operation as a reality
check.

I have run to the same locations for thirty years, and changed my management
little, except for varroa treatments (nonsynthetic for ten years now).  I
also did essentially zero supplementary feeding of syrup or pollen supp
until two years ago.

My colonies used to thrive and make honey, and be ready for almonds with no
help, other than me moving them from good pasture to good pasture (those
that I left stationary in the foothills near home generally died).   I can
affirm that it is harder to keep bees alive than it used to be.

My own operation demonstrates that our current problems cannot  simply lay
the blame upon migratory beekeeping practices.

I applaud Kathy on her excellent post.  Somebody needs to do the migratory
pollination job--bees cannot survive in areas of extensive monoculture.
Brian, I also applaud your motivations, but I do feel that you are a bit
heavy on the blame game.

Randy Oliver

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