Beekeepers are using a new ARS computer program to help manage their cash flow and project their profit margins. The free program, called BK-ECONOMICS (the BK stands for beekeeping) has a spreadsheet component to track loans and equipment, labor, vehicle, and insurance expenditures. A database component helps beekeepers market their honey. The program also helps beekeepers locate apiculture specialists in their state, calculate loan terms, and simulate consequences of business expansion plans. This can help the beginning apiarist decide whether to buy or lease new equipment or simply make do with existing equipment until a later date.
Carl Hayden Bee Research Lab, Tucson, AZ
Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman, (520) 670-6481, gdhoff@aol.com or ehejr@ccit.arizona.edu

Last Updated: October 28, 1997
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