What characterizes a commercial beekeeper?

A commercial beekeeper is defined by the scale of their operation, which typically involves managing over 300 colonies. This large number of colonies indicates a business-oriented approach where the beekeeper is likely focused on producing honey, providing pollination services, and possibly selling bees or bee products as part of a profit-driven enterprise. The commercial aspect includes not only the sheer number of colonies but also the efficiency and techniques used to maximize honey production and maintain bee health across a more extensive operation.

In contrast, maintaining fewer than 100 colonies aligns more with hobbyist or semi-professional beekeeping, where the primary goal may be personal use or enjoyment rather than profit. Furthermore, breeding bees solely for enjoyment or keeping them for personal use does not fall within the commercial beekeeper's business model. Commercial beekeepers typically engage in practices that support broad agricultural and ecological needs, thereby contributing to larger economic and environmental systems.