forwarded to you from beekeeping news group.
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NOTES FROM CALIFORNIA  2/19/97
 
Un confirmed report of two semi loads (900 hives) of bees from Texas
heading for the almond bloom were reported to have been gassed by
regulatory authorities because Fire Ants were found infesting the
pallets the beehives were sitting on.
 
Another report on the accident that made the news in Southern California
when it shut down one of the freeways for several hours. The truck
driver is recovering, not so lucky for the 450 hives of bees which were
pushed off the freeway and burned according to reports received this
office. Interesting to note that the owner of these bees which were
being transported to the almonds has turned down the insurance company
offer of $85.00 per hive for his loss. Does make sense to me as not
only did these bees not make the $35-$40 pollination rentals beehives
in this area are selling in large lots for up to $100.00 per hive on
pallets.
 
WEATHER has been cool and ideal for extending the pollination time for
the almond bloom if not the best for the bees themselves. The almond
bloom is close to full flower and the bees have been active part of
every day doing their thing (X-rated) to the almond flowers which are
expected to last until the 1st of March this year, if not a little
longer. Almond growers are talking about the 1st billion $$$ crop and
how the price will have to go down, sounds like they have talked with
too many beekeepers, but it does look like this could be a bin buster
of a crop. Bare root almond trees are being planted in record numbers
no doubt to make up the price decrease by increased volume or some such
theory farmers pick up at collage.
 
Beekeepers had less then expected problems moving into the almonds, but
many did get stuck and a few yards that were not washed away could not
be gotten out because of wash outs or wet ground conditions. As far as
I know NO almond growers went without bees this year. Feeding of bees
in the orchards is continuing and queen breeders are setting up to
begin grafting queen cell or have just started.
 
The condition of the bees is variable which is normal, no abnormal
reports of serious loss, or unexplained winter loss has been reported.
Brood rearing has started and some brood is hatching but few drones
have yet to bee seen.
                            ttul, the OLd Drone
 
 
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 ~ QMPro 1.53 ~ ... Some bee had stung it newly.