I agree with tileguy. I think it would be a thrilling opportunity. When I went to pickup my nucs this Spring it was exhilarating to be at such a place and amongst pros.
I would be interested in it, most people don't do or share the same goals as we do,so i'm hesitant to put out thoughts alot of times.
And I know of no blogs for this theme, bee L has alot of non commercial folks on it also.
Totally agree.Alot of our views are different when it comes to getting the job done.Micro-managing as a commercial keeper is tough.I feel that is why their are some heated disscusions on beesource,because of the totally different work practices.
I would be interested in such a forum but am a little apprehensive about disagreements popping up, hobbyists vs pros. Us commercial beeks get picked on enough without a special forum. but it might be worth a try.
Sheri
I would hope that it would not turn into something like that. It's an excellent way for commercial beeks to share information regarding commercialization and things that work and idea sharing that can make the business easier.
Additionally, it would be a great source for those who are hobbyist and are thinking of going commercial to get basic information about what is involved in making it a business and what is needed to get started and maintain.
I truly think it would be a great forum. We have some great people out there with generations of experience and it would be an excellent place to get that knowledge to the rest of us.
I would hope that it would not turn into something like that. It's an excellent way for commercial beeks to share information regarding commercialization and things that work and idea sharing that can make the business easier.
The problem is it usually does turn into something like that. From colony management to honey sales the processes for a commercial beekeeper are about making a profit. They do not have the time to baby colonies nor do they have time to check every frame of every colony once a month or so. This is their livelyhood and it is built around that bottom line, time management, cutting costs, bulk purchases, bulk sales etc.
I enjoy hearing what they have to say. I also hope that people can appreciate that a commercial outfit has a different perspective and often different methods and leave it at that.
I would love to see this. If I love the hobby as much as I believe I will, then going commercial would be incredible, having some experience to tap and an easy place to find it would be invaluable.
I think it would be a good idea. If necessary, it could be a 'hidden' forum accessible only by those who were moderator approved, eg. commercial guys and hobbiest/sideliners who aren't spoiling for a fight. At least, I assume this software can handle that.
I'd better not mention names, but....
One of our larger Oregon beekeepers says that, "One's IQ is inversely proportional to the amount of hives he or she has".
If so:
SHOULD WE RUN THE NEW TOPIC IN ALL CAPS?
LOL, see, here it comes!! And we didn't even start the forum yet!!
John says it takes a strong back and a weak mind to be a beekeeper, commercial or otherwise.. This may well be the case. Not pointing fingers, and present company excluded of course.
I am wondering, Harry, at what point (number of hives) would you go to all caps? Should I guess your answer will be one more than you run? I suggest one more than we run.
Sheri
Thanks Connie, I agree, when I go to my Commercial Beekeeper friends in Wi. its just an awesome time. The owners even takes the time to show me around. And when I first started they showed me how to find the queen, the eggs, and even gave me some old wooden ware to help get me started. Not to mention all the other beeks that come in and I get to meet them and sit around and talk and talk and talk....LOL
So you see Admin/ Commercial Beekeepers, there are some that would like to see a new forum start so we can gleen from the big beeks, even if its a permission only type forum. Heck I would even throw myself in front of the bus or train for you guys....
Thanks again, T.G.
I'm just a hobbyist, but I've worked for a couple of commercial outfits in the past, and I know that their breadth of knowledge is extensive and amazing. I'd love to read in on their forum.
We already have guys with 2, 12, or 30 hives telling us how we
should be running hundreds of hives, so a stand-alone forum
would do nothing but make us even more attractive targets!
I have no strong feeling one way or another about starting a new forum. However, the idea about making it hidden or private in order to avoid annoying posters is silly and goes against the free exchange of ideas. I would be interested in hearing more about how the commercial people do things. Most of us understand that there are necessary differences due to labor, etc.
If there are annoying people starting a flame war, you can put those people on your ignore list and/or the moderators can get involved if necessary. Excluding interested people in attempt to civilize the internet doesn't make sense to me.
I know that these guys are just playing around with their answers, but if this guy was serious he would be able to get a good idea about what it takes to do it, if it could be done, how much time, costs, etc,etc...
instead, he is getting little or no info as opposed to reading info from posts that deal with commercial beekeeping.
I concur with alpha6 on this point. Myself having around 100 hives I guess I would not quite be considered commercial, but if things keep going the way they are now I will be there next season (I've been told the magic number is 300).
From what I can see,there has never been no target practice at any of the hobbie guys.professional gambling gets old after a while.Remember Keith its our IQ we are talking about.[JUST A COUPLE OF GALLONS]
2 cents, 2 tenths, 2 100ths, even Keith's second nickel, add them all up, the readers will be sure to get their money's worth.
Oldbee, I have never heard of any commercial operator calling hobbyists (in general, there are individual exceptions) idiots. If anything we are jealous. You actually get weekends off, lol.
Sheri
Actually, weekends are when we work the bees. During the week we work our regular jobs that get us the money to afford the bees.
Not to put down any commercial beeks. I know you guys work seven day weeks too.
Having worked both sides, I know that the hobby-side is definetly much more relaxing and enjoyable. As a hobbyist, when the bees aren't doing well, I'm disappointed, but my paycheck is unaffected. Plus, I can really spend a lot of time with each individual hive, get to know them personally, which is the enjoyable part for me. Getting some surplus honey at the end of the year and seeing some hives survive the winter is the bonus part.
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