forwarded to you from beekeeping news group. ---------------------------------------- NOTES FROM CALIFORNIA 2/19/97 Un confirmed report of two semi loads (900 hives) of bees from Texas heading for the almond bloom were reported to have been gassed by regulatory authorities because Fire Ants were found infesting the pallets the beehives were sitting on. Another report on the accident that made the news in Southern California when it shut down one of the freeways for several hours. The truck driver is recovering, not so lucky for the 450 hives of bees which were pushed off the freeway and burned according to reports received this office. Interesting to note that the owner of these bees which were being transported to the almonds has turned down the insurance company offer of $85.00 per hive for his loss. Does make sense to me as not only did these bees not make the $35-$40 pollination rentals beehives in this area are selling in large lots for up to $100.00 per hive on pallets. WEATHER has been cool and ideal for extending the pollination time for the almond bloom if not the best for the bees themselves. The almond bloom is close to full flower and the bees have been active part of every day doing their thing (X-rated) to the almond flowers which are expected to last until the 1st of March this year, if not a little longer. Almond growers are talking about the 1st billion $$$ crop and how the price will have to go down, sounds like they have talked with too many beekeepers, but it does look like this could be a bin buster of a crop. Bare root almond trees are being planted in record numbers no doubt to make up the price decrease by increased volume or some such theory farmers pick up at collage. Beekeepers had less then expected problems moving into the almonds, but many did get stuck and a few yards that were not washed away could not be gotten out because of wash outs or wet ground conditions. As far as I know NO almond growers went without bees this year. Feeding of bees in the orchards is continuing and queen breeders are setting up to begin grafting queen cell or have just started. The condition of the bees is variable which is normal, no abnormal reports of serious loss, or unexplained winter loss has been reported. Brood rearing has started and some brood is hatching but few drones have yet to bee seen. ttul, the OLd Drone (c) Permission is granted to freely copy this document in any form for any use. (w)Opinions are not necessarily facts. Use at own risk. --- ~ QMPro 1.53 ~ ... Some bee had stung it newly.