BeeKeepers, The Gate Keepers of the Food Supply
We offer a variety of services for beekeepers, we:
Find a suitable orchard for your bees. Placement by pallets, boom, or by hand.
Supply a computer generated map. Insure easy location of orchards & placement of hives.
Correlate arrival and departure of hives from orchard.
Provide updated information on County Agriculture Offices.
Negotiate fair price for rental of your hives with almond grower.
Provide written contract.
Act as a
liaison between beekeeper and almond grower.
Help with collection of your pollination fee if need arises. (Very seldom needed)
Help keep the almond grower informed of harmful effects of pesticides.
Have access to extra hives for emergencies.
We simply can't say enough about communication. It can mean the difference between success or disaster. Early placement to a beekeeper may be 10% bloom, but early placement to the almond grower could be two weeks before bloom. Alleviating misunderstandings before the bees are placed in the orchard is a goal we strive to maintain.
Best Management Practices for Honey Bee Pollination
Honey Bee Nutrition
Healthy Bees need natural, diverse forage.
Provide a supplemental feed in the fall.
Pest and Disease Control
Monitor hives on a regular basis.
Practice preventative maintenance.
Follow label instructions.
Do not over medicate or treat
Hive and Colony Management
Keep equipment clean and maintained.
Replace frames and comb when necessary
Requeen colonies annually
Provide access to clean, fresh water
Business Management
Use a contract.
Determine your pollination fee
Be dependable and visible to your growers
Have a contingency plan for the unexpected
Keep good records to improve practices
Continue your education: join organizations, attend conferences, access the internet and subscribe to bee journals.
Mentor young bee keepers
