Rick,
 
     You asked about pollination contracts and pumpkin pollination.
 
     I don't have much time now, but did want to let you know, there is a lot
of pollination info on the web page below.  You can also send a SASE for a
copy of the contract I use.  I have a couple requests on my desk now, but
printer is acting up, so they'll have to wait until I can check that out.
 
    Dr. Sanford has another sample contract, available from APIS or Andy
Nachbaur.
 
    Pumpkins are not hard to pollinate, because they have a lot of pollen,
which makes them a preferred source.  There are wild squash bees in some
areas but not all, mostly depending on past history of cucurbit growth and
pesticide use/misuse. Honeybees will be good pollination insurance.  I'd
place about one hive on 2 or 3 acres, if I were growing them.  Not as much as
cukes, melons, or apples, because they are easier to pollinate.
 
    General principle:  Get multiple bee visits, the weight (flesh
development) will be better if you maximize the number of seeds that get
pollinated.  That requires more than one visit. That's generally true of most
fruits. Look at the apple seed-count section. Pumpkins, botanically speaking,
are a fruit.
 
    Check out the pollination web page; if you have more questions, hollar,
but we'll be closed for a few days.
 
[log in to unmask]    Dave Green,  PO Box 1200,  Hemingway,  SC
29554        (Dave & Jan's Pollination Service,  Pot o'Gold Honey Co.)
 
Practical Pollination Home Page            Dave & Janice Green
http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html
 
Jan's Sweetness and Light         Varietal Honeys and Gift Sets
http://users.aol.com/SweetnessL/sweetlit.htm