But wouldn't that make you redundant RAB?
To be honest, I would much prefer the 'keepers of bees', out there, to become beekeepers. That means thinking for themselves.
It is not rocket science and most manipulations are limited to available kit, when it comes down to actually doing the logical (and usually simple) things.
Yes, it can appear to be a steep learning curve, but usually steeper for those that follow anecdotal advice, without any regard for their actual situation, and end up in a mess.
Those relying on beekeeping for a living soon sort themselves out for maximum yield. Hobbyists can be satisfied with an adequate harvest.
There are some fairly contrasting methods - per eg, queen clipping and automatic immediate replacement of the old queen with a laying queen for the commercial, compared to the hobbyist who may patiently await the emergence of a new queen, then for her to get mated and eventually (usually) start laying fresh brood.
Both methods work. Mostly the experienced hobbyists retain the bees by doing an A/S. Some don't always manage that and some don't even bother if a swarm is produced and departs to pastures new. A whole spectrum, but easily sorted if you think about what is happening and what you want to achieve.
Simple, really.
So far better to teach how to keep bees than answering the same questions, of what to do next, over and over again.
RAB
