From: "deelusbybeekeeper" <deelusbybeekeeper@excelonline.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2001 07:35:36 -0700
To: <BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: Line by line # 65 (Sugar?)

Hi to all on Biological Beekeeping

Barry has written

> Dee, I assume when you say mandatorily, you mean that IF feeding is ever
> needed, it should be mandatory to use natural organic honey? Not that it
> should be mandatory to feed.

Reply:

Yes, Barry, this is right understanding on what I wrote here.

> Are you saying that an "unlimited brood nest" is the only way to keep bees
> organically?

Reply:

No, you are right here and perhaps it is best being suggested and not
mandatory.

> Do we want to, and is it really necessary, to go this far in making rules?
> Your thoughts?

You are right, as many nowadays have been taught to use one brood chamber
and rob and feed, which necessatates putting in sugar to replace honey and
also artificial pollen.Many might not have the money to carry more equipment
in the beginning or might not want to carry more equipment as maintenance
can get costly.

But I hold firm on that only natural products of the hive should be fed
back, namely honey and pollen. But then if having to do that, then why take
so much? Just leave enough there for the bees to begin with, which would in
itself start to have these beekeepers work with duces and maybe finally
triples in field management the old way. After all Barry, once the honey and
pollen stores are left, they don't have to be taken out again, and are in
themselves insurance for drought years already banked within the colonies
concerned.

One box brood supers came on line more for usage in this coountry with the
growing popularity of migratory beekeeping and the need to put more colonies
on a truck for movement and payment. They were not necessarily devised for
management for maximum honey/pollen production.

A point well taken Barry!

Dee