> > Many California growers also raise & sell raisens which sold below the
cost
> > of production last year. Many are bulldozing their grape vines and
putting
> > in Almonds which should effect Almond prices in the future (lower
Almond
> > prices) and cause extra hives to be needed for pollination ( my
opinion).

Some prune orchards are also being taken out.Low prices caused by
oversupply of prunes.The growers decided to take out enough acreage to
lower supply.Some are being replaced with almonds ,some walnuts(I think
walnuts are a mistake.China is getting into walnut production on a huge
scale)California just finished harvesting over a billion pounds of
almonds.The price seems steady as there is a good demand from Asia(See,we
actually have something to send back on the container ships)
>
> > One very large grower/ Almond packer  said to me "every beekeeper which
> > has been coming but does not come this year will not pollinate Almonds
in
> > California again".
 What do the beekeepers on the list think ?

Bigmouth Bluster.

> 1)  A rational person would interpret the statement as a threat
>      of a boycott of some kind against one or more pollinators
>      who might decline to participate in the annual road rally
>      and hive-tossing competition where the race to the bottom
>      of the quality and price curves continues unabated.

With good demand for srong hives,I dont think there has been much price
cutting.As soon as the hives are delivered,a small army of strength
inspectors goes to work counting frames of bees to verify that you have in
fact delivered what you said you would.Some will escape inspection,but it
is better to figure on it-keeps everyone honest.
>
> 2)  While it is impossible for an almond grower to forego pollination,
>      it is very possible for him to refuse to pay, or refuse to pay in
>      a timely manner.

Slow pays and no pays dont get bees next year.The word goes out.
>
> When the supply of hives does not greatly exceed demand, no pollinator
> is really "competing" with any other.

There are always enough hives.There are never enough 8 frame or better.

> > Has been interesting to see the area each beekeeper
> > has chosen to spend his/her windfall profits.
> > None I have talked to have chosen to save the profits for the next
crisis.
I wouldnt consider them windfall profits if they are averaged against the
low prices paid the last few years.Just shows what can happen if the cheap
imports can be slowed a bit.
---Mike