>How does a Beekeeper go about locating almond growers or pollination contracts prior to moving bees to California? Hi Ed, Since I don't see any other answers, I'll give it a shot. May be hard for you this year, unless you can find a fill-in contract. Bees at this moment are in long supply in most areas of California. Beekeepers ramped up their numbers of hives this year (they must not have gotten the memo about about bees going extinct in the U.S.). I've heard of only a few people looking for bees this week, and time is of the essence, as the bloom is already starting. The easiest way is to contact a pollination broker for the area in Calif in which you wish to place bees. We beekeepers in Calif also knock on the doors of growers who don't appear to have bees in their orchards, but this is likely not a viable option for you. You can advertise in Valley newspapers or on Craig's List. We commercial beekeepers also use the beekeeper cell phone grapevine to see who is short or long on bees. I realize that none of the above are likely much help to you at this late moment, but give Craig's List a try. Many beekeepers have had trouble placing their bees this season. For your first time, the most common mistake is to overestimate the strength of your colonies, which can lead to a rude shock when you get to California, and the broker tells you that your hives are sh....not worth renting. By all means, NEVER come to Calif without a signed contract in hand. Good luck! -- Randy Oliver Grass Valley, CA www.ScientificBeekeeping.com *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html