Newsroom, February 11, 2007
Colony Collapse Syndrome
This is the term that has been attached to the disappearing bees on
the East Coast, from Penn. to Florida. Bee Alert Tech, Missoula, Mt. has
put together a survey and asking beekeepers to complete the form to help them connect the dots to find out more about the latest threat to the honey bee and their keepers. To obtain a copy of this form, please go to www.beesurvey.com
California State Agriculture Dept.
Ant-Free Certification Protocol
For 2008 season, you must complete Official Certification form with required information (9 items) Provide bee shipper with original certificate and one copy. Ca. border station retains original, copy stays with bee shipment. Forms available at: www.cdfa.ca.gov
Small Hive Beetle, SHB
10 interceptions at the border this past season. 6 shipments allowed to proceed to county for treatment. 4 shipments returned.
Rating of "Q" could be changed to "B" before end of year 2006. "B" rating means SHB policy determined by Ag Commissioner of each county and flexibility to meet pollination needs.
The Status for the SHB (Small Hive Beetle) has not changed from last year. Inspections are continuing throughout the state as of this date. Seven to eight counties have found the SHB, mostly in the southern and central counties.
Entry into California with SHB is now being done on a case by case basis, with each county determining if they will allow SHB into their county and then treated at destination. Last week a semi (found with SHB) was turned around at Truckee because their county of destination would not accept shipment of bees. We would advise to check with the county of your destination to confirm what their SHB protocol is.
Try to schedule your trucks so they don't reach point of entry into Calif. on a Friday. If there is a problem you could be held over the weekend.
Beekeeping News
The registration date for apiaries in California is January 1st of each year. You are required to register the number of colonies and location with each Agricultural Commissioner in the county where you are presently located. The registration fee is $10.00, with an additional $20.00 late fee for registration for 30 days past due.
Contact your destination county for more information on pesticide notification and colony removal.
According to the National Honey Board, honey prices are expected to increase to 90 cents to $1.20 for white honey and 80-90cents for amber grades the next 3 months. Imported honey from China is slowing which will hopefully keep the price of honey rising. For a more detailed update on honey information visit www.nhb.org (National Honey Board).
Pollination for 2007
A few contracts have been signed ranging from $115.00 to $140.00. Many of the beekeepers we’ve talked to this year are considering fees of $120.00 to $140.00 with no commitment thus far. Most of our beekeepers have increased their hive count this year. Numerous new beekeepers have contacted us and are interested in pollination for 2007 season.
Almond News
According to the Blue Diamond Almond Facts, www.bluediamond.com Sept Issue, the 2006 almond crop is expected to be up. The Objective Estimate of 1.050 billion pounds announced by NASS was up 30 million pounds over the May 10th Subjective Estimate and 137 million pounds, or 15 percent, over last year’s crop.
Approximately 600,000 acres of almonds are in production in California. In excess of 100,000 acres are planted but in non production status. Close to 150,000 acres of almonds are 20 years and older and could be replaced if the almond prices continue to soften over the next couple of years.
County Agriculture Departments
Don’t forget: Register hives with county of destination
Fresno Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Jerry Prieto
1730 South Maple Avenue
Fresno, California 93702
Phone: 559-456-7510
Fax: 559-456-7379
E-Mail: Fresnoag@co.fresno.ca.us
Kern County Department of Agriculture Phone: 661 868-6300
Commissioner/David Moore (Fax: 661 868-6301)
1001 South Mt. Vernon Ave. (E-Mail: agcomm@co.kern.ca.us)
Bakersfield, Ca. 93307
Merced Department of Agriculture
Commissoner/Dave Robinson
2139 Wardrobe Av.
Merced, Ca. 95340
Phone: 209 385-7431
Fax: 209 725-3910
E-Mail: ag00@co.merced.ca.us
San Joaquin County Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Scott Hudson
1868 E. Hazelton Av.
Stockton, Ca. 95205
Phone: 209 468-3300
Fax: 209 468-3330
E-Mail: shudson@sjgov.org
Stanislaus Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Dennis Gudgel
3800 Cornicopia Wy.
Modesto, California 95358
Phone: 209 525-4730
Fax: 209 525-4790
E-Mail: AgCom50@co.stanislaus.ca.us
Tulare County Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Gary Kunkel
4437 S. Laspina Street
Tulare, Ca. 93274
Phone: 559 685-3323
Fax: 559 685-3335
E-Mail: gkunkel@co.tulare.ca.us
USDA Port contacts for Bee Shipments
*San Francisco: Norman Lau, phone: 650 989-2577 Fax 650 989-2599
*Los Angeles: Mon-Fri.: Jon Bailey/Javier Camberos 310 725-1926
Fax 310 215-2367
