Hi All,
We're planning on moving from central FL to CO in a year or so and starting a small organic family farm. Just enough to feed ourselves, with no plans of more than that. We're thinking on 2 yaks and a few goats for milk/cheese, a handful of chickens, horses when we can afford and a bunch of rescue dogs. And of course a good size garden.
And now, bees!
I have always loved bees. And of course honey! About a dozen years ago, I had a wacky wonderful metaphysical experience with bees (maybe I'll tell it once I get to know folks) and since then I've wanted hives of my own. I'm also a beer and mead maker, so what could be better than having my own bees to provide the honey?
Well up till this weekend my hubby didn't agree. He didn't like the idea of getting stung. I've been stung before, but I'm pretty much fearless (given proper precautions) with bees. (I've told him for ages that I wouldn't make him work the hives with me, but he didn't listen.) Grew up sitting in apple trees with them flying around me. Lately we've been reading in the news about beekeepers having some major mite and other disease problems. This started boding ill for our future garden. No pollination? Eeek! Then two days ago, my hubby and I read an article saying that despite the fact that commercial and chemical using beekeepers have been having challenges, organic beekeepers aren't having a problem.
Well, that was enough for my hubby to make a turnaround. For him it's the idea of our plants getting pollinated. For me its that and just the sheer joy of bees.
My sister already keeps bees in upstate NY where we grew up - and I've been Soooo jealous. I've spent the last 48 hours reading everything possible. I'll admit to being an absolute rank newbie. Gardening and farming I know lots about. Bees, diddly, but I'm excited to learn.
Looking forward to meeting you all.