Hi Folks-
 
If you pollinate almonds in the Valley and are interested in the almond
contract at the Central California Women's Facility located in Chowchilla
mentioned by Phil, be sure you understand exactly what the current
constraints of the contract are before you sign anything.
 
This year I was told they wrote the contract with poorly reasoned
restrictions: no feeding, no shaking overcrowded hives, and limited
visitation for medication and such.  I don't remember the frame count
requirement, but it was high enough to cause problems if you couldn't care
for your bees.
 
Good money (about $40) but you would probably lose significant dollars to
swarming or starvation if you brought them good bees.
 
Interestingly, last year they offered a two-year contract as well.  Now it's
up for bidding again after one year.
 
Kevin