Rodney,

We pollinate 3 different orchards for apples early then melons, pumpkins
and squash later in the summer.  They have between 2 and 5 acres and
request 1-2 hives for pollination purposes of the later crops.  I'm not
sure what the USDA recommends however.

We try to capture a swarm and start it on foundation so it's late getting
up to full strength.  (Even started on drawn comb it's doubtful if a swarm
would produce much, if any, honey anyway.)  By making the swarm draw comb,
they are lighter when we have to move it, they're trying to build to
produce and they're ready to work.  Works well for us.

Even following all the 'rules', we still have several swarm every year.  If
you're lucky enough to catch any, this helps soften the blow for loss of
honey production because of the swarming.

We charge $30.00 per hive.  I would think 1 hive would be sufficient, but
if it's a little on the weak side, take 2 and charge for one. (It's a pain
stopping to work 1 hive, so what difference does it make if it's 2?  If you
take 1 hive and kill the queen?  That's why we like to take 2.)  I don't
know for sure what pollination rates are where you are, so contact your
local organization or a local beekeeper and check.

I don't know about nectar from vining crops, but they get pollen and
readily work each of the vining crops.  They love to work cucumbers.

Hope this info helps.

Margaret Hala

PS. We're in central Iowa.


Rodney Angell wrote:

> Hi,
> I live in Rosebud MO and would like to know how many hives it takes to
> pollinate 2 acres of pumpkins.  And what to charge for the services.
> Also, are pumpkins a good source of nectar or pollen?
> Any advice would be appreciated.
> Thank You,
> Rodney Angell
>
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