From the Fields

Matt Beekman
Stanislaus County beekeeper

At this time of year, most of our mite treatments and supplemental feeding have been concluded. Out-of-state bees have begun to arrive in California and placed in holding yards until moved into almonds for pollination.

Preliminary reports indicate one of the poorest honey crops nationwide in recorded history, due to dry conditions and the heat wave experienced in July. This should translate to poorer bee health and a decline in the overall supply of bee colonies. Because of these factors and an increase in almond acreage, pollination prices are trending upward. Reports have been variable on current hive strength.