Keeping bees to make money is a loosing proposition in San Diego

One of my bee Mentors Alan Mikolich, The largest honey producer in San Diego. Says if you are selling honey, Each Hive costs you a negative $150 per year. As I pay retail, I put it at closer to $250 ,Between colony collapse, And the drought. Trying to make money with bees is a loosing proposition. People have this idea that the colonies I collect make tons of honey and tons of money when in fact each hive costs me money. If you are not into beekeeping for saving the bees, You should not be in it at all.. At least that is how it works where I live. The only thing saving the industry is the sky rocketing price one gets to drag you hives to Central Ca. to pollinate the almonds. I am just not in a position to do that.