New member from Iowa

[WPG]

Hello all,

   Great forum, have been reading for years, when had the time.

I'm a second generation hobby beekeeper looking to take it to smaller commercial level. My dad had 6-hives usually, most ever maybe 12.
 I've doubled that some years. Bought packages, done cut-outs, hived swarms and made splits.

 I started selling honey at a lot of Farmers' Markets. Love it, people want chemical free. They want bees too. I need more but the mites are gett'n me bad.
 So I plan on going pure-bred Russians. I've heard all the negatives, it is a learning curve. Wish I had started 10 years ago.

 I've read alot here, finally decided I might want to respond sometimes and put in my 2-cents worth, as well as see the things here I've missed.

Thanks
Dave

[buzzbee]

Welcome and thanks for joining.

[Cindi]

Dave, welcome to our forum, glad you finally jumped in!!!  Sounds like you've been lurking for a very long time.  You will have many great things to tell us, we love to listen, we love to help, you know that, you have read our posts.  STick around, we love new members.  Have that most wonderful and awesome life, with health.  Cindi

[heaflaw]

Welcome.  Heplful people on this site.  I keep about 15-20 hives (Italian/ferals) all untreated for 4 years, so, it can be done.  My sister and family live in Urbandale and have helped me from time to time when they visit.