>I think every
California beekeeper would ask to move his hives into almonds to build
rather than leave in an area of no flow.

Bob is correct on this point.  Bees thrive in almonds.

>Nosema is usually unseen by the uninformed beekeeper.

Again, if you haven't looked, you can't tell if it is an issue.  I've 
looked--it is.  And I live in a warm, dry climate, and use screened bottoms.

>[Bees}don’t seem to be thriving under current mode.

No they don't, but I'd be hard pressed to say that commercial beekeepers are 
to blame.  I'd look at the several new diseases, the loss of genetic 
diversity (yes, partially due to few queen producers), loss of forage land, 
and effects of global warming.  I have a lot less trouble accepting 
commercial beekeeping practices, than I have with egg, pork, veal, or corn 
production!

I am heartened at seeing the new generation of commercial beekeepers.  At 
convention presentations, they are all ears, and looking toward the future. 
They seek out good information, and are willing to change their management 
if indicated.  Some are actually making a good living!

I just don't see the sky falling on beekeeping.  Things are indeed changing. 
Our entire agricultural system is in the process of change (I have read 
every weekly issue of Ag Alert from the Calif Farm Bureau for many years). 
The changes are toward the better, as far as sustainability.  The pace is 
agonizingly slow, yes.  But shrill condemnation of those in the process of 
change is, IMHO, counterproductive.

Randy Oliver

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