Are there any bee keepers on these forums? Or anyone with bee keeping knowledge? Bee keeping would seem to be a natural fit for a self sustaining homestead. Honey is natural and has medicinal properties. Finding a sugar substitute as a sweetner would be critical in a long-running disaster scenario. Sugar has to be imported and supplies here would almost disappear overnight.

Anyway I attended a bee keeping seminar 10 days ago conducted by a gentleman from the Okanagan with 50 years experience. He was a walking encyclopedia, and all the more intriguing because of his reverence for bees. I arrived somewhat intimidated by what I had always perceived as the "mystery" of bees. I left hooked. I am getting hives next spring, and would actually get a couple now, but I think I have too much work to get caught up on as it is without starting a new venture.

One hive easily provides a hundred pounds of honey, and tens of pounds of beeswax. The bees pollinate your garden, and harvest from the neighbours as well. It takes about 275.00 to set up a hive which is not bad at all. Honey is an ideal trade item. It costs a fortune in the stores. Wish me luck!