I was surprised how many calls my ad generated. About 6 people left messages for me expressing interest in having hives on their property. The site chosen though is beyond ideal. It is a beekeepers fantasy come true. The site sits on a piece of property owned by an earthy couple that encourage all sorts of activity related to nature. They have three organic farmers currently using the property, lease free at that, and now I get to join the club. The property itself is about 15 acres and is comprised mainly of fallow farm land, an old barn, an old house being fixed up by the current owners and plenty of seclusion for my bees. I have already chosen the location at the farm along the western edge of a tree line to an old farming plot. In the morning it will get the early sun and have plenty of shade in the afternoon when heat is at its peak. It is about 150 yards from a small stream, is protected from westerly wind, and has plenty of pollen and nectar resources near by. In addition I will be able to use my vehicle to get to the site. I will just have to use a lawnmower every two weeks to keep the path way partially clear.
The only down side is that I will need riot gear to fight off all of the ticks. Not a big deal. Dealing with natures itchy volken is part of being a beekeeper. With a site chosen now I can begin the process of researching new equipment since I will have left most of my other equipment with my uncle to use on his small homestead. Basically I will need enough boxes for three hives in their first season, a new suit, new gloves, and a new smoker. Pretty big expense considering I probably will only cull enough honey to pay for the smoker since I seem to give most of it away. Maybe this year I will become a capitalist.
As soon as I can I will publish some pictures for all.
