What is the definition of a sideliner beekeeper?

A sideliner beekeeper is characterized by the pursuit of beekeeping primarily for profit while still maintaining another source of income. This definition reflects the typical operational scale and business model of sideliner beekeepers, who usually manage a smaller number of colonies than commercial beekeepers but are more invested in the economic aspects of beekeeping than hobbyists. They often operate between hobbyists and larger commercial operations, allowing them to take advantage of opportunities within the beekeeping industry while also balancing other employment or income-generating activities.

This approach distinguishes sideliner beekeepers from those who might solely focus on producing honey or breeding bees without the financial profit motives that typically accompany commercial endeavors. Other types of beekeepers, such as hobbyists or commercial beekeepers, have different focuses, with hobbyists usually engaging in beekeeping for personal enjoyment without a primary profit motive, and commercial beekeepers operating at a larger scale with the explicit goal of maximizing profits from their bee operations.