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How's it affecting you as far as your beekeeping plans for 2009 and beyond ?

Plans are on track !
Plans Altered !
Not spending a Dime !
It's killing Me !
What Downturn ??
Quit being Nosey !!!!

Author Topic: Economic Downturn  (Read 11529 times)

Offline BeeHopper

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Economic Downturn
« on: February 26, 2009, 08:52:51 am »
With The current downturn, I have found myself halting all expenditures on equipment and improvements, except for a few Nucs and Queens to replace expected winter losses, I am beginning to feel the heat of my debts and reduced income :(  I hope everyone else is fairing better. How's it on your end  :?




* This is my 1st Poll  :)

Update: It Warms my Heart that the Beekeepers on this Forum are Positive and Optimistic in their endeavors, and honestly, I'm quite surprised by the poll results thus far   :-D
« Last Edit: February 27, 2009, 09:51:51 am by BeeHopper »

Offline vermmy35

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2009, 09:23:38 am »
so far me and the wife are doing great spending more than ever. 
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Offline gmcharlie

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2009, 10:27:06 am »
actually I am spending MORE on my bees....  ramping up production to offset potential losses in other areas.......

I am also wondering if I surronded my house with hives I could lower my heat bill.... hmmmmmmmmm

Offline HAB

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2009, 10:28:17 am »
Thankfully, the "down turn" has not hit us.  We were so far down that things would have to get better to get worse.

Offline BeeHopper

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2009, 10:41:54 am »
actually I am spending MORE on my bees....  ramping up production to offset potential losses in other areas.......

I am also wondering if I surrounded my house with hives I could lower my heat bill.... hmmmmmmmmm

Now that is a novel idea  :-D

Offline Two Bees

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2009, 10:44:28 am »
While I'm not planning on blowing a lot of money on new equipment and stuff, I will be adding a package hive and splitting the two that I started last year.  I was able to pick up most of the boxes, frames, and foundation last year when Brushy had their free shipping in December.   

Thought about getting an extractor but I think I will hold off and use one from my beekeeping chapter!
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Offline Doc Pat

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2009, 11:02:46 am »
I'm putting my start-up plans on hold for a year.  It's a big disappointment, as I was really looking forward to it, but maybe the extra year can be put to good use learning more and more here and in my reading.

Offline KONASDAD

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2009, 11:04:30 am »
B-Hopper. I would start doing cutouts w/ KD. Cash on the barrel head! Got two lined up, and would love to share a few as my job will get busier w/ less pay.
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Offline Bobb

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2009, 11:53:58 am »
Spending a lot more than I had planned. I was only going to try a couple of colonies but got the bug and ordered 10 packages. Decided on selling our Suzuki Samuari toy to pay for this new venture.
"Power, especially overgrown power, whets the ambition and sets all the wits to work to enlarge it. Therefore, encroachments on peoples liberties are not generally made all at once, but so gradually as hardly to be perceived by the less watchful; and all plastered over, it may be, with such plausible pretenses, that before they are aware of the snare, they are taken and can not disentangle themselves."

Samuel Webster
Massachusetts 1777

Offline BeeHopper

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2009, 12:20:52 pm »
B-Hopper. I would start doing cutouts w/ KD. Cash on the barrel head! Got two lined up, and would love to share a few as my job will get busier w/ less pay.

Sounds like a " Proposition " I can't refuse.  ;)   Has to be weekends or evenings though  :)

Online Kathyp

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2009, 01:10:34 pm »
so far, we are ok and i have not changed my plans.  since i tend to be a tightwad anyway, that means i look for used stuff and swarms  :-)

when i am done paying LAWYERS, i'll be in good shape!!   :-D
Someone really ought to tell them that the world of Ayn Rand?s novel was not meant to be aspirational.

Offline bassman1977

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2009, 03:06:52 pm »
It's not the economy that is slowing down my progress, it's the hive losses.  GRRRRRRR!!!   :hissyfit:
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Offline MustbeeNuts

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #12 on: February 26, 2009, 03:15:57 pm »
Well I had saved for my expenditures this year already so I'm good for now, hopefuly nothing ielse raises it head. Then there could be plan change.
Each new day brings decisions,  these are  new branches on the tree of life.

Offline HomeBru

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #13 on: February 26, 2009, 04:22:50 pm »
This is our start-up year and had already budgeted the expenses into our funding. I'm a high school teacher and am not concerned about loosing my job so there is no economic downturn for me... I'm confident that our market garden will continue to do well and demand for eggs is only increasing.

Offline steveb

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #14 on: February 26, 2009, 04:30:20 pm »
I am adding a few hives and making up for some hive losses also.

I make hives for backyard beekeepers and new beekeepers.  My business is much larger than even last year when it was double from the year before.  I was amazed at the money some were willing to spend.  Saw a sharp increase in already painted hives ready-to-go and a decrease in hive parts for do-it-yourself.  I talked to a lot of people that want bees and gardens and be more self sufficient overall.  I am waiting to see how our associations Beginning Beekeeping class will do this year.  Last year interest went way up and I am getting a feeling that this year will be the same.  
Overall, people seem to be spending money.  Makes me happy. :)
Steve

Offline Gware

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #15 on: February 26, 2009, 08:07:13 pm »
well I am planning as usual but I was not planning on spending much money anyway as I dont have much to spend but I am sure that places are harder hit than where i live. My job is ok for now but who knows we may hit a depression soon. However a store told me they would buy all my honey

Offline justgojumpit

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #16 on: February 26, 2009, 08:15:59 pm »
I am somewhat hit, due to the fact that my family runs a horse farm, in the business of importing and selling horses out of Europe.  Horses are not selling so well at the moment.  Beekeeping is a hobby for me, but as with everything in life, I don't like losing money on things so I budget pretty well.  This year I have been building custom equipment for other beekeepers and that has paid for the nucs I bought to increase numbers, and the tools I bought allow me to build my own equipment as well which saves me a bunch, especially when shipping costs are considered.  Basically, my beekeeping budget is controlled by my beekeeping sales. I am not putting in any outside cash this year.

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Offline bailey

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #17 on: February 26, 2009, 08:18:50 pm »
i am planning to double this year if not more.
have 25 or so hives now, would like to get over 70 by fall.
bailey
most often i find my greatest source of stress to be OPS  ( other peoples stupidity )

It is better to keep ones mouth shut and be thought of as a fool than to open ones mouth and in so doing remove all doubt.

Offline JP

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #18 on: February 26, 2009, 09:40:47 pm »
I would like to help Bailey get past 70 by fall!

My business has been holding steady but I am concerned that people will start holding on to their money for fear of a massive depression. I have been watching my spending and saving as much as possible so I'll have a buffer when or if things turn really sour.

Scary times folks but we have to think positive, right?


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Offline tlynn

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #19 on: February 26, 2009, 09:49:14 pm »
No downturn for us at all.  We're adding 3 hives this year, which will make 5.  That should just about do it for our back yard.  In fact we are expanding our business and see the next couple of years being full of great opportunity. 

My advice to everyone who's worrying about the economy is to turn off the television.  There's nothing we can do about it. It makes it harder to focus on what we're grateful for and harder to be optimistic for the future, which we all need in strong doses.  In fact, getting on my soapbox, I think the news media does us an ENORMOUS disservice by reporting all the terrible and never the good.  If it bleeds, it leads, right?  It's a continuous groin kick in our collective consciousness.  There is so much negative being broadcast our way, and that's why I believe so many people are unhappy.  It's a habit to complain and blame and gripe and I truly believe the news helps foster that behavior. 

I don't intend to sound glib or to mean I am discounting the economic state we're in, because I know so many people are losing jobs and are in serious financial distress, but I can't think of one way the constant barrage of news about of failing banks and job losses serves me.  So I just don't play, and life seems to be working pretty well.

Offline annette

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #20 on: February 26, 2009, 10:20:03 pm »
I now have one hive and plan on having 4 within the next few months. Instead of ordering all packages (I did order one), I plan on catching swarms for the first time ever to grow the apiary.

I asked the Sacramento Beekeeping Supply store how business was and they said it was great. Busier than ever. Guess beekeeping is sort of immune to the troubles at the moment.
 

Offline slaphead

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #21 on: February 26, 2009, 10:29:48 pm »
My plans are on track but as I learn more I'm investing more sweat equity and ingenuity which keeps costs down.  The new hives are built from scrap wood.  Foundation has been abandoned for natural cell.  Swarm collection will be used to expand the apiary and raise the hardiness of the bees.   If the colonies take off 50% of honey production will be sacrificed to generate splits and expand the apiary.  The remainder of the honey will be sold as "Wild flower" with the proceeds reinvested into the expansion.  An extractor and heated knife will be rented ($10 to $25 for a week) if needed.  Starting this year with 5 hives, if we have a productive spring and summer hope to double that number by the end of the year.  If the swarm season promises to allow me to go beyond that I'll be financially stretched to do it but will find away.  That may involve TBHs  :-D.

SH
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Offline poka-bee

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #22 on: February 27, 2009, 12:20:26 am »
I'm on track also, gonna split my 2 this spring & buy 1 package or nuc.  If I get any swarms that will be icing on the cake Sean..**HINT HINT**.  I can be your little tag along helper! My eggs are paying for chix & cow feed. Will have a calf May or June. Hiefer I sell or keep for breeding fall 2010, bull we either sell or band depending on how it looks.  Planning on getting a 2008 bull to use for breeding back & then eating & selling 1/2 in the fall. Am splitting an order of 25 chix, Maran, EE's & Wellsummers so will have more eggs this summer. I can't keep up with the demand.  Hopefully will have some honey next year, planning on making some creamed cause people love it (so do I :-D) Got 20 boxes for this year, enough for brood & if they go bonkers on the blackberry flow I'll just have to do a box at a time & give right back for clean up & refilling!  The ladies @ Take Root Farm can't wait for the honey & beef! J
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Offline Steve M.

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #23 on: February 27, 2009, 04:05:44 pm »
Well, the economy in Maine has never been anything to write home about.....we don't have the great ups and downs other places have....we are always fairly close to flat lined.  That said, we have budgeted for 6 more hives this year, with a goal of 30 by 2011.  We live very simply....raise most of our own food, barter for most of the rest, burn wood, etc.  Also, we made a pact a few years ago to never borrow money....only buy what we have cash for....now we are 4 years away from owning our farm debt-free....does make me a bit nervous with this new administration....would like to be completely debt free before we all have to become socialists :)

I am just thankful that I have a great wife, two wonderful little kids, and the opportunity to (soon be) making my entire living from my bees and farm.
--Steve M.

Offline tct1w

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #24 on: February 27, 2009, 10:41:57 pm »
Im in construction and my wife is a part time realtor. Do I need to say anymore. Built alot of equipment over the winter now just needs frames and foundation. Stashed  money back just for this. Its still in the drawer so Brushy Mountain, here I come. CU Dave

Offline rdrcl

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #25 on: February 28, 2009, 12:13:05 am »
TLynn I could not have said it better, I wonder where we would all be today if we had not just had two years of political fighting, how much of what is bad is bad because we have been told it bad for so long that we started to believe it. Sorry soapbox off,,   I am hoping to maintain my 4 hives right now and be able to go into next winter in better shape than I did this one. I did some really stupid moves late last year and am really surprised any are alive right now, if I can just get them through the cold spell that is supposed to hit us this weekend I think/HOPE to still have them around and at least get all of the liquid gold I want to eat and drink (have a friend that makes some of the best mead there is)

Offline IABeeMan

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #26 on: March 01, 2009, 04:16:50 pm »
 I had plans to do some splits this spring. I winterd 7 hives and all 7 are rather strong right now. However with my current job being up in limbo I have decided not to buy any equipment until I am more certain with my jobs stability. I have searched for used equipment around me but the number of beekeepers here are rather limited and the few that there are around here even fewer are social.

Offline jeepaddict4life

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #27 on: March 02, 2009, 12:52:16 am »
So far, so good. The only change is that I've had to order my supplies a little at a time rather than all at once. But I still have 2 packages of bees ordered, and 1 hive assembled so far. The other one came in last Friday, and is waiting to be assembled (I have to add the rabbit cut for the frames on one side of one of the deeps. Seems they forgot to). I'm really excited, especially since this is my first year doing this on my own. Here's to hoping everyone has a good year!

Offline manfre

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #28 on: March 02, 2009, 01:05:17 am »
I'm starting up, but the economy hasn't changed my plans at all because I've always lived comfortably below what I can afford.
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Offline Tucker1

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #29 on: March 04, 2009, 03:28:05 pm »
My employer is doing well in spite of the economy. Sales are actually slightly up, so things seem fine at this point in time. Let's see what fall brings, which is typically our slow time of the year. Things can change very quickly in this economy.

I've ordered my second package of bees. They will arrive in April. My existing hive made it thru the winter. I ended up giving most of my honey away to friends or relatives.

I'll limit my purchases to perhaps another 2 deeps w/frames, plus the package of bees indicated,  and that will be about it.  Like most, I'll be holding back on discretionary purchases.

Regards,
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Offline Daddys Girl

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #30 on: March 04, 2009, 04:19:31 pm »
I am going from two surviving hives to four by adding two packages.  I'll be requeening with local survivor stock queens.  I expect at least one split, and may be able to find a home for a nuc.  I've bought some Lang Medium equipment, some other Lang-related supplies, am building two TBH.  We'll probably add one additional bee suit and see about a cast off smoker for dusting. 

So I am expanding overall.


Offline Dane Bramage

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #31 on: March 05, 2009, 11:50:32 am »
With The current downturn, I have found myself halting all expenditures on equipment and improvements, except for a few Nucs and Queens to replace expected winter losses, I am beginning to feel the heat of my debts and reduced income :(  I hope everyone else is fairing better. How's it on your end  :?

My guess is that this correction in the economy will generate an increase in beekeeping.  Perhaps many new beekeepers starting as the money-changing jobs evaporate and a general shift towards the agrarian ensues.

Cheers,
Dane

Online Kathyp

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #32 on: March 05, 2009, 12:15:07 pm »
somewhere around here they are trying to make it legal to keep a few chickens in the backyard.  dane may be on to something, but a lot of town rules will have to change if people are going to be allowed to produce for themselves. 
Someone really ought to tell them that the world of Ayn Rand?s novel was not meant to be aspirational.

Offline manfre

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #33 on: March 05, 2009, 12:22:18 pm »
somewhere around here they are trying to make it legal to keep a few chickens in the backyard.  dane may be on to something, but a lot of town rules will have to change if people are going to be allowed to produce for themselves. 

I'm fighting my town to allow hens (CaryChickens.com). It's amazing how many ordinances exist that prevent people from being self sufficient. Some make sense for an urban environment, others don't. Very few of them scale to match property size, only zoning.
« Last Edit: March 05, 2009, 06:01:33 pm by manfre »
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Offline Two Bees

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #34 on: March 05, 2009, 04:59:21 pm »
Good luck with that one, Manfre!
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J.D. Clampett commenting about Jethro Bodine.

Offline BeeHopper

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Re: Economic Downturn
« Reply #35 on: March 06, 2009, 10:30:21 am »
I see Beekeepers are still holding a positive attitude, lets see this poll hit 100  :-D