From: "Barry Birkey" <barry@birkey.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 21:06:45 -0000
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@egroups.com
Subject: Re: Observations.



> From: "David Eyre" <admin@beeworks.com>

> In reply to Dee regarding Observations.
>
> I must admit to some skepticism regarding regressing bees and this is
> why I joined this list in the first place, I came to learn. My problem,
> applying human traits to this sizing is the equivalent to saying a 7 6
> individual would be more susceptible to disease and pathogens than say a =
> 5 0 person. Strange to say the least. I have kept bees, successfully
> for over 50 years, I for one am not throwing out that amount of
> experience without a great deal more information and detail on what I'm
> supposed to have done wrong in all that time.

Hello Dave E. (it's been awhile) and welcome to the list!

I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your input and constructive discussions on the list, and for those who are still "lurking", feel free to add your comments anytime. As we begin the 2001 season, I trust we will all benefit from our
discussions and sharing of our knowledge and experiences.

I have had some long discussions with some members of this list about the purpose of the list and the parameter our discussions should stay within. Because this discussion group was not set up as a "general" beekeeping list, there _are_ parameters that we must keep to so as not to get off track and away from the focus of this group.

As I read Dave's remarks above, as an example, I think it points out the "tension" that we will always have to be dealing with in this group and I trust it can be dealt with with understanding and maturity as we keep these goals in mind. I want to see people joining the group with the idea of learning and gaining a better understanding of a way of beekeeping without the use of drugs or chemicals. Please keep this premise in mind as we dialog. Not everyone is at a level of chemical and drug free beekeeping, including myself (but I'm working on it). So our goal is to work towards that end and our discussion should exemplify that.

With that in mind and to save ourselves a lot of grief, I want to use Dave's last sentence as an example (sorry Dave, nothing personal). I don't doubt Dave's success in beekeeping over the 50 years and I don't think we should be pointing out to him what he supposedly has done wrong. I think there are different standards being used on this list by various people and we all need to be clear in our understanding of the standards this list embraces. What we are going to hold up as a benchmark on this list is biological beekeeping which does not include the use of drugs and chemicals. Let's please keep this in mind so we are communicating on the same level. Also as a side note, I don't want us to engage in discussion on chemical usage unless it is for the purpose of eliminating their use. There are plenty of other lists where one can discuss chemical usage if that is your intent for your bees.

I respect everyone at whatever place they are at in managing their bees and in return I ask that everyone respects the goals and guidelines of this list. A lot of work and widespread testing needs to be done in the area of biological beekeeping as the chemical usage has about run its course and more and more beekeepers are losing everything. I think it's clear that we cannot solve the problems we face in beekeeping by reaching for the drugs or chemicals. I know several on this list are going to be implementing changes to the way they manage bees this year as a goal to eliminating their use of chemicals. We need others to do the same. Hopefully through the actions of some and their reporting back to us of their results, it will be an encouragement to all. Here's to the new year and John's toast, which will be done about 6 hours before I do the same!

Regards,

Barry