Hello Bob,

Bob wrote,
> The first self fertile almonds are getting a patent this fall as we speak.

They have been trying this for a long time, UC Davis comes to mine, So far 
the yields have been poor with these trees.

> In ten years if I am still around I predict I will be writing of the woes
> of the California beekeeper in ABJ & BC. HUGE outfits are relocating into
> California now to chase almond pollination. California beekeepers are
> shipping their bees out of the huge state of California in summer to find
> nectar sources.

 Bob, I dont know where we will all end up as this plays out.I do think 
thier are some thoughs worth noting.Almonds are being consumed like never 
before and by countries with a growing middle class with a disposable 
income.With all the negitive talk about out-sourcing  U.S. jobs, that work 
force is now new buyers of almonds in those cuntries.

> Gold rushes have been short lived in history. Followed by ghost towns (and
> maybe ghost industries)

Well, only time will tell if this is anther gold bust. Most said ,we could 
never sell a billion pound crop of nuts. Well, it's sold out.
Most here that write about almonds get their info by here-say, I think 
history will be the best, to state the record.

P.S.   all ready many semi-loads of bees look awful here in Calif, I still 
don't get it, these out-of-staters I thought last year would have gotten the 
message about running poor bees. Good luck to all who come.

Keith Jarrett 

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