>Hmm. Small compared with what? Almond acreage is 1,000,000 (400,000 ha). This is spread throughout the central valley which is: Ok, but we see pictures of 'holding yards' with literally thousands of colonies, no forage and communal feeding using drums of syrup. Can't be sensible, can it? Best wishes Peter 52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html