I was able to aquire about 100 bee boxes this spring, but am a total novice. I would really like to meet some local beekeepers to gain some experience. Also resources for bees and supplies would be appreciated

-- Dianne Von Bergen (yankeeterrier@hotmail.com), July 13, 2000

Answers

Dianne, I have in front of me the May 2000 edition of Bee Culture which lists 12 county or regional beekeeping groups in Wisconsin, plus the state-wide honey producers association. If you'll write back with the name of your county and the adjacent counties (either directly to me or to the forum), I'd be happy to try to find a nearby group for you.

As to suppliers in your area, you best bet might be contacting your county extension office. You also could try finding Bee Culture magazine or the American Bee Journal in an area library and look at the ads.

One hundred "boxes" is a lot. You might want to consider starting small the first year, maybe two to five hives, to see how you like it. But before you do even that, try to find an inspector to look through the hive bodies and supers for any signs of disease. Some bee diseases, eg, American foul brood, can infect used equipment and about the only practical "solution" is to burn the hives. (I apologize if I'm telling you something you already know.)

Good luck. And always wear your headnet...

-- Rog (flanders@probe.net), July 14, 2000.

You got a gold mine in your 100 hive deal !!! Good Luck ! Flanders is right and your on a good start to find a club to help you get started. I think J.D. or Steve are beekepers also. I use Blue Mountain Bee Supply but there are many. If can be of any help, please feel free to write. My only thought is --you may want to start with 10 hives and work your way up--100 hives would require some serious equipment and labor expenses.

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), July 14, 2000.

What a great resource! Thanks for all the responses! Rest assured, I have no intention of starting out with ALL the boxes, I will be more than happy with one or two hives to start with Dianne

-- Dianne (yankeeterrier@hotmail.com), July 15, 2000.

Hi Dianne, Lapp's Bee Supply is located in Reeseville, WI, which is in Dodge County, about 35 miles NE of Madison. They are located in the old school building on Main Street in Reeseville. Very friendly and helpful. You can visit in person or order through the mail. Their phone number is 920-927-3848 or 927-3818. They are a small business, so I'm guessing you should call during normal 9-5 business hours, but I'm not positive on that. Deb

-- Deb (andersland@webound.com), July 15, 2000.

Dianne, in your follow-up letter you wrote you'll be happy to start with one or two hives. Most new beekeepers, and I was one of them, never know what to expect and have no readily-available points of comparison. That's why most of the books for beginners suggest starting with at least two hives, but no more than five. If you're like me, you'll find yourself constantly comparing those first two, and, if you're like me, wondering why two hives started identically in April can be so different by August. (This was a constant source of befuddlement for me. When I asked my bee supplier about it that first August, she paused, looked me in the eye, and responded: "Do you have two children?" Well, yes, and then, as they say, the light clicked on!) Bee colonies are as individualistic as children, but cheaper, a whole lot less worry, and sometimes sweeter.

-- Rog (flanders@probe.net), July 17, 2000.