allen dick <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>The larger number of beekeepers, however--the hobbyists or amateur (in the
>best sense of the word)--have different objectives.  Some are out to make
>honey, but many others don't care and others yet have undertaken to try to
>improve bees or maintain specific stocks.

Hello Allen!

I agree with your entire post, but only clipped the above portion for 
reference!   

Hobbyists like myself can sometimes have different objectives than the 
commercial beekeepers.  Partly because while we tend to have time to 
experiment and take more risks in our beekeeping and breeding programs, 
commercial beekeepers and breeders must rightly so have supporting family 
a priority. 

In my bee improvement program, I see that some feral stock is showing 
promise for me.  Although I may make headway in my improvement of stock,  
ultimately IMO  it will be the competitive feral population providing a 
more powerful selective force than I could ever achieve on my own, pulling 
me along for the ride.  When commenting on treatment threads such as this, 
I do tend to emphasize how treatments might effect the genetic pool due to 
my beekeeping and breeding philosophy that depends so much on competitive 
mating,,, and I know it is often at odds with professionals and scientists.


Best Wishes,
Joe

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---