News from Calif.  There is now a glut of bees in Calif for almond
pollination.  All the press about shortages here created another "Gold Rush"
of fortune seekers.  Unfortunately, the shortages were largely projections
for upcoming years, and there are apparently enough bees this year.  There
are now local and out-of-state beekeepers dumping bees for $80/colony just
to get anything!  Lots of hard feelings all around, and both beekeepers and
growers being taken advantage of.  

I feel for those out-of-staters who are suffering big losses, plus we will
have to face growers next year who will accuse us of overcharging them.  The
wild free market competition has turned ugly.  Local guys are having
long-term "handshake" contracts dropped.  Gouging is going on--I personally
know of a beekeeper who last week offered a beekeeper $80 for several
hundred colonies, and then placed the bees for $130--pocketing the difference!

Here are some suggestions for the future:  DON'T CONSIDER COMING UNLESS YOU
HAVE A SIGNED, WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH A GROWER.  Have average (6-frame min,
usu. 8 frame, best are 10 frame) and minimum (usu. 4 frames) specified in
contract, and a provision for inspection at 60°F.  Don't overestimate how
many strong colonies that you will be able to supply, and don't move weak
ones.  Move in and move out time specified.  Move in at 10% bloom of first
variety--usu. Feb. 10th.  Remove half of bees at 50% petal fall of late
variety, balance at 90% petal fall.  Half payment upon delivery, rest upon
removal.  A map of the orchard, and placement indicated and flagged on the
trees.  Make sure orchard has passable roads in wet weather!!!!  You can
contract directly with the Grower, but a good broker is, IMO, well worth a
reasonable fee (about $4/colony).  A good broker can really help you with
problems, or if you come up short.

Please don't bring junk, diseased colonies, or weak colonies.  We Calif
locals pick up all your pests and diseases from robbing of deadouts.  Have a
good holding yard ready so you don't create a nusiance.  Be ready to feed
your bees before and after bloom, or they can starve.  Can also starve if it
rains during bloom!  If all this sounds like too much, just stay home and
make honey :)

Randy Oliver
Semicommercial beekeeper
Grass Valley, CA

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