APIARY INSPECTION 



Over 800 hives in eight countries were inspected. Previously uninspected 

 counties typically had a high rate of disease while counties that have received 

 regular annual inspection have shown a substantial decrease in contagious brood 

 diseases. The rehiring of former area inspectors enhances rapport with the 

 beekeepers and increases the quality and quantity of hive inspection. 



This year the bees produced an excellent honey crop with hobbyists 

 averaging over 100 pounds of surplus per hive. Honey prices are fairly stable 

 at around 50^ per lb. wholesale and $1.60 per lb. retail; however, these prices 

 are not keeping up with the escalating costs of bees and equipment. 



A Bee Task Force comprised of fruit growers, pesticide applicators, and 

 beekeepers met through the winter to establish a plan to reduce pesticide 

 related bee kills. The primary recommendation of the Task Force was the 

 registration of beekeepers which is now a bill pending before the Legislature. 

 The use of microencapsulated Methyl -parathion (Penncap-M) was strongly regulated 

 and subsequently there have been no reported beekills due to this pesticide. 

 Probably the most important outcome of the meeting was the awareness focused on 

 the habits of the honeybee and the farmers' use of pesticides. The Task Force 

 identified the problem, found solutions, and communicated these to the bee- 

 keeping and farming communities. 



Legislative bills were submitted this year to update the apiary inspection 

 laws. 



/Massachusetts 

 grown ... and frestier! 



70 



