From: "Lloyd Spear" <[log in to unmask]> >I was just told by a customer in Idaho that he signed a 2005 pollination > contract at $100 a hive! Any confirmation of that? From: "Lloyd Spear" <[log in to unmask]> >I was just told by a customer in Idaho that he signed a 2005 pollination > contract at $100 a hive! Any confirmation of that? There's a fellow in California (whom I spoke to & confirmed, VP of Ca Bee Assoc.) signed 1000 8-frame singles for $100/ea. What's interesting about the arrangement is he gauranteed four(!) frames of bees as the minimum. Lyle Johnston (pres. of American Honey Producers Assoc.) was asked recently by a grower, "can't you beekeepers make money at $60/hive for pollination?" & answered with "like the almond market, pollination is set by supply & demand; same as when growers raised prices on almonds from $.84(cents) /pd to $2.85/pd in three years". Many beekeepers are eyeing 10-frame singles as the way to provide enough coverage for the growing almond demand. This morning there was word someone from Washington State found contracts at $150/ hive. With over a month away from the drop-dead date for almond pollination there will surely be alot of interesting stories shaking out. The rise in price has also spurred theft of beehives. With CA mite resistance, theft & increased transportation charges there are plenty of variables to think about before sending your bees out for hire but certainly the opportunity has become more attractive. Matthew Westall - E-Bees - Castle Rock, CO -thinking it's been a mild winter so far for Colorado. 3 months :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::