>So how does a commercial operation operating out of a cold winter climate
> get the bees ready for Almonds?
>
1. Winter only strong, well-fed colonies. Then either put them in potato
sheds or naturally cold area, and then move to almonds shortly before bloom,
and get graded on overwintered frame strength (even in very cold areas,
strong colonies will have brood from early December on), or
2. Winter in Calif warm areas, and they will brood up if fed in place, or
3. Winter on Florida or Texas nectar/pollen flows and move to Calif at
bloom.
My personal experience is with #1. No need "to get ready." Colonies come
out of snow ready to go!
Randy Oliver
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