Well, the economy in Maine has never been anything to write home about.....we don't have the great ups and downs other places have....we are always fairly close to flat lined. That said, we have budgeted for 6 more hives this year, with a goal of 30 by 2011. We live very simply....raise most of our own food, barter for most of the rest, burn wood, etc. Also, we made a pact a few years ago to never borrow money....only buy what we have cash for....now we are 4 years away from owning our farm debt-free....does make me a bit nervous with this new administration....would like to be completely debt free before we all have to become socialists :)
I am just thankful that I have a great wife, two wonderful little kids, and the opportunity to (soon be) making my entire living from my bees and farm.
--Steve M.