At 02:20  8/1/96 -0400, you wrote:
>---------------------- Information from the mail header -----------------------
>Sender:       Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
>Poster:       "Ron J. Bogansky" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      Looking for Greener Pastures
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>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
>
 
It is not uncommon in the area of Texas, where I live, (Dallas/Ft. Worth) to
yield 100-200 lbs./colony.  That's just keeping your colonies in one location.
 
Your friend says he doesn't want to migrate, but he could get much higher
yields by doing so.  Of course, it's his call.  However, by migrating you
can get a much earlier start on honey production and also extend the
production at the end of the season.
 
 
Regards,
 
 
Mike Wallace
Sar Shalom Apiary
McKinney, Texas   USA
"Out of the heart, the mouth speaks."