For almost anyone, I would say keeping bees as was done 40-50 years ago is just not going to happen. There are a few apiaries that simply split out as many colonies as possible and let the bees succumb to mites until they have that "magic hive" that thrives without intervention and then they build on that. Some of them will post their results and act as though all beekeepers should be doing the same. In today's world that is an expensive proposition.
I have been an organic gardener for 40 years. I was a founding member of the Ozark Organic Growers Assn. (now defunct). Since the government got involved with it's own standards, many of which were not approved by our organization, the term has lost most of it's meaning.
For most people the term "organic" means to farm plants or livestock without chemicals. The origin of the term meant to approach the soil as an organism, to nurture and build it to contain all the macro and micro nutrients the plant needs including the beneficial organisms that help to strengthen the soil. It's always baffled me how this approach got pulled into raising beef, chickens, etc.... But that's another issue.
As to bees, (or any livestock for that matter), good stewardship means to care for and treat their ills. If your calf has pneumonia give him an antibiotic shot for crying out loud. Get in one's hive sniffing for foul brood, reading frames, looking for varroa frass, the list goes on and do what needs to be done. The alternative is to become a bee hunter and find feral hives and rob them for honey and forget about boxing them up.
Sorry I ran on so long but I'm drinking my coffee and this thought just overtook me. I know you all realize this. Have a great one!
