One of our beneficial insects is, of course, the honeybee. The inspection 

 of honeybees for their freedom from contagious bee diseases is an important 

 activity of the Division. Besides the production of honey and beeswax, the 

 pollination of our food and fiber crops is the important contribution of this 

 insect. Each year we inspect between 6000 and 7000 colonies of honeybees. 

 Assistance is given to new beekeepers, if necessary, to promote good beekeeping 

 practices. There are over 12,000 known colonies of honeybees in the state and 

 this is a conservative figure, no doubt, as many colonies remain unknown due 

 to the lack of a honeybee colony registration law. Legislation providing for the 

 registering of beehives was again defeated this year. 



Throughout the year, the Division is busy disseminating information to the 

 public sector relating to many agricultural subjects. Inquiries regarding plant 

 culture, pest control, pesticide use, plant and pest identification are common 

 calls. Information is made available through the media, telephone, and personal 

 visits. The Division maintains a regular weekly and monthly radio program. 



I Personnel include five permanent and as many as thirteen temporary employees, 

 The budget to sustain the Division this year was $100,200. 



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