CNG- Hive Stand Height Requirement

[Andrew Dewey]

I note in the recently published CNG (Certified Naturally Grown) standards there is a minimum hive stand height requirement of six inches.

I'm curious what the benefits are of such a minimum for beekeepers who use solid bottom boards. I have several yards where the hives are on pallets year round and others where I use the Mike Palmer inspired 2x4 stand. As I am in black bear country my yards are surrounded by electric fences - I use a netting which also keeps out critters like racoons and skunks.

I intend to ask the CNG folks for the logic behind the standard, but I haven't done that yet.

[beemandan]

My hives were mounted on 4x4s (only 3.5 inches). It enabled me to move heavy hives by myself using a handtruck. I wrote and asked the same question. I got what I considered an absolutely ridiculous answer about small animals being unwilling to expose their undersides at a hive entrance. I have no idea who dreamt that one up. I needed to be CNG to sell at a nice, active local farmers' market. So I removed the 4x4s and put all of my hives on cinderblocks....and now it requires two people to move one. And then there was the issue of screened bottom boards....don't even get me started.
If it weren't for that farmers' market....and truth be told I may let it lapse anyway.

[Mr. C]

6 inches off the ground prevents larger commercial guys from being CNG because pallets are lower than that, whether or not their other practices would apply. I assuming here, but my guess is it's a political thing to restrict who can join. I understand the need for certifications, but hate the beauracracy and political manuevering that pretty much makes them next to worthless as anything but an advertising gimick in the end.

[beemandan]

that pretty much makes them next to worthless as anything but an advertising gimick in the end.

Yes.

[Rader Sidetrack]

So I removed the 4x4s and put all of my hives on cinderblocks....and now it requires two people to move one.

I think you may be able to still use a handtruck. You could space out the cinderblocks to mimic the placement of the former 4x4s. Then make a riser that sits on the handtruck platform sized to slip under the hives while the riser is on the handtruck, but still lift the hives when the truck is tilted back. If you are concerned about the riser slipping, ratchet strap it to the truck.

[beemandan]

I think you may be able to still use a handtruck.

Your idea does have merit. First though, adding a riser will make the entire thing less stable...and on uneven ground that can be an issue.One additional complication is the use of screened bottoms. I don't like them...for a number of reasons..... but when I initially signed on with CNG they were required. And if you had solids...you were required to convert 20 percent each year. I bit the bullet and converted about half the first season....then, of course, CNG changed the rule and screened bottoms were no longer 'required'. Anyway having to make an extended tongue and riser that will bridge the entire bottom....is just not on my radar....yet.

[Michael Bush]

Another ridicules standard... all mine are on 2 bys. What makes them naturally grown if they are 6" instead of 3 1/2" off the ground?

[Mr. C]

What makes them naturally grown if they are 6" instead of 3 1/2" off the ground?

Apparently another 2 1/2" makes them more natural