Hello Keith & All,
I think beekeeping organizations need to offer seminars on "risk management"
& "sustainability".

As Keith pointed out many of last years problems could have been avoided by 
taking a few simple precautions. However those beekeepers had been sending 
bees to almonds for years with never  a problem. Some were first timers and 
were simply unprepared.

Those which do not learn from their mistakes will repeat their mistakes. 

Not long ago I was part of a large almond pollination done only on a 
handshake. I pressed the other two beekeepers for a contract but they said 
not to worry. 

We received half when the hives were placed and half when removed and paid 
no broker fees. Our share was around 67,000 dollars( back when hives were 
bringing around forty bucks a hive).

I never heard of a broker in California which paid half when the bees were 
placed and half when removed. This year Missouri bees were back from 
almonds two months before final payment was made by the  broker.

Several heartbreaking stories were given to beekeepers around the country 
by California brokers about why they could not pay. Real heartbreaking 
stories and no way for the beekeeper to tell if true or not.

When the time comes for almond brokers to broker Mexican bees and they say:
 
" we will send your pollination check to Mexico after you are home a couple 
months " I think you will hear the Mexicans say:

"let me introduce you to my little friend" 

( from the movie scarface with Al Pacino)

My ABJ articles are about beekeepers which always thought trouble in 
California and the California border always happens to the other guy.

 Some took out loans to ready for California, others put money on credit 
cards, others spent the money they expected to get (or were promised ) 
before earned and the big boys simply lost money and considered the loss a 
lesson.

The big boys are still sitting at the table and figure they will recoup 
their 2006 losses with interest over the next five years. In poker you are 
not a loser until you fold your cards and get up from the table.

Money will get out of state beekeepers to get into the almond game unless 
the deck is stacked and then better to pass and wait.

Fact:
All out of state beekeepers know that if bees are short in almonds growers 
& brokers will pick up the membership directories of the ABF & AHPA and 
start calling begging for hives the last week of January and into early 
February.

Has happened twice in the last decade!

Bob

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---