Dedicated forum for bee keepers aiming for least intrusive approaches

[rolande]

So has he just managed to get his queens to practice safe sex?

 

[pargyle]

Yes ... I remember this from years ago ... if you carry on to Part 2 you find that his TF journey has not been without setbacks, colony loss in the early years and the abandoment of colonies that did not show strong survival traits was costly. You should also consider the impact of local conditions - temperature, humidity, local forage ... they all add to the ability (or not) of colonies to survive ... and as he says - THRIVE - without treatment. It's not an easy journey.

They are still in business so they have been successful:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attra...iews-BeeWeaver_Honey_Farm-Navasota_Texas.html

 

[rolande]

Yes ... I remember this from years ago ... if you carry on to Part 2 you find that his TF journey has not been without setbacks, colony loss in the early years and the abandoment of colonies that did not show strong survival traits was costly. You should also consider the impact of local conditions - temperature, humidity, local forage ... they all add to the ability (or not) of colonies to survive ... and as he says - THRIVE - without treatment. It's not an easy journey.

They are still in business so they have been successful:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attra...iews-BeeWeaver_Honey_Farm-Navasota_Texas.html

There's a few interesting videos and a podcast or two lurking around the net -also a new (to me) interview which I've not listened to yet that I think might be the one mentioned by @Penninetrader but I'll wait to see if he's even referring to Weavers rather than posting a link.

 

[Antipodes]

His educational qualifications are listed here.

https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/guests/daniel-weaver/

 

[Antipodes]

Daniel Weaver? Hadn't heard about the law degree, thought he was a biologist, but could be the guy you're thinking of. If it is, I'd be surprised that he'd made a comment about having africanised bee resistance.

According to this article, he "practiced as an attorney in Austin prior to re-joining and taking over the family business".
https://insitebrazosvalley.com/wellness/outdoors/beeweaver-honey-farm-buzz-worthy-destination/

 

[rolande]

According to this article, he "practiced as an attorney in Austin prior to re-joining and taking over the family business".
https://insitebrazosvalley.com/wellness/outdoors/beeweaver-honey-farm-buzz-worthy-destination/

Thanks @Antipodes, looks like it probably is him then. One of the few who've literally put their money where their mouth is.

 

[Penninetrader]

 

[Penninetrader]

There's a few interesting videos and a podcast or two lurking around the net -also a new (to me) interview which I've not listened to yet that I think might be the one mentioned by @Penninetrader but I'll wait to see if he's even referring to Weavers rather than posting a link.

That is very polite of you, I have been a little busy so first chance to follow up. I hope others find this chap of interest, he has put his time in. When he describes colonies so defensive you could not get within half a mile before they attacked, one shudders.

 

[Erichalfbee]

so defensive you could not get within half a mile before they attacked, one shudders.

There are some really mean bees about and something like this is awful to contemplate being anywhere near you

 

[Penninetrader]

There are some really mean bees about and something like this is awful to contemplate being anywhere near you

That is exactly what I faced earlier this year when helping a young beekeeper with his difficult queenless colony, it was big and mean. Funny thing, they only went for my right hand and then managed to sting me through the suit and glove above the wrist. I am still traumatized.

 

[Erichalfbee]

That is exactly what I faced earlier this year

I really hope there is nothing like this in the UK
Did you watch the whole video?

 

[Penninetrader]

I really hope there is nothing like this in the UK
Did you watch the whole video?

Yep, My veil was covered , they were tapping my right hand like a gattling gun and my glove was full of stings. it was not pleasant but I kept the lad calm and we re assembled the hive after the inspection. When we walked away we were followed for more than 300m, it was crazy

 

[Erichalfbee]

it was crazy

Imagine a whole apiary like that?
Dee Lusby must be as mad as her bees

 

[warsaw_hive]

Dee Lusby must be as mad as her bees

She's definitely a fantasist. Her studies of small cell or natural comb theory around the world were completely made up, yet I still continue to read that this is the way to stop varroa.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Dee Lusby must be as mad as her bees

you've only got to read some of her ramblings to know that she's as nutty as a squirrel turd

 

[warsaw_hive]

Lusby also popularised Housel positioning, but again there is no evidence that this is a real thing.

 

[Into the lions den]

Lusby also popularised Housel positioning, but again there is no evidence that this is a real thing.

Its not a real thing. Back when this was rife and gaining adherants all over the place I was a moderator on Bee-L.

Just think about the holy grail, the Housel centre comb. Its geometrically impossible, or at least would be impractical, weak, and use a LOT of wax.. I was sure enough of that to offer 1000 dollars of my own money for anyone who could sent me a significant sample of it..say 3inch by 3 inch?
The centre comb, which she constructed the concept around, has the 'Y' in the cell base pointing up on both sides. Just think about it.............the Y is not real...its just a function of the hex cells aligning correctly with each other and is the basis of the cell walls on the other face of the comb. Part of the structural strength of the comb.

The money, of course, was never claimed..Lusby herself later admitted it might not exist but that the concept was still the way to go. Some remarkably experienced beekeepers, big players, got sucked into this, inc one or two who were active on here, and spent significant money....6 figures...following the small cell method. It did not work AT ALL.

What it did get me was a massive tide of hostile mail from the cult followers......but it WAS a cult, based on faith in the idea rather than any provable facts, and relying on cell size having been artificially enlarged (her assertion). Its actually quite a movable feast. There was an old skep in Perth museum...from pre 1900...and the wild comb inside was much the same as today.

Folk with long experience can often spot a lemon pretty fast....and when you question the advancer of the theory they get very defensive and go after YOU with questions about having to prove your doubts...whilst never actually answering your question...attacking the questioner. Dealing with Dee Lusby was never easy....

There was a whole background agenda going involving deniability of africanisation on that need not be aired here.

 

[Erichalfbee]

studies of small cell or natural comb theory around the world were completely made up, yet I still continue to read that this is the way to stop varroa.

The kit suppliers still sell small cell foundation with explanations of regressing bees.

 

[Into the lions den]

The kit suppliers still sell small cell foundation with explanations of regressing bees.

Yes....I know.....and even some of the appliance traders shake their heads at the fact there is demand....but they still take the money and repeat the mantra.

But getting into the business of kicking other peoples belief structures is NOT a wise move if you want peace and quiet.

 

[Rory Fields]

One of the largest Beekeepers in the USA, Texas, and now one of the largest suppliers of disease resistant queens also had to overcome the African bee invasion, which started in Texas, may take issue with your response. It is not all in or nothing, there are many ways in between.

Not disagreeing here, but could you tell us more please? Thanks