Best Management Practices for Almond Growers Renting Bees

Growers can help beekeepers in the pollination process of their crops.

Nutrition

-  If  possible, help your beekeeper locate flowering forage prior to and after almond bloom.  

         o  Plant a cover crop on adjacent land:

             -  At perimeter of orchard

             -  Within younger orchards

             -  On fallow land

         o  Good examples of alternative food resources are mustard, clover or vetch. 

Water

-  Water is important to prevent dehydration.

-  Provide abundant and potable water, free from contamination.

-  Landings and screens make water accessible and prevent bee drownings. 

Access and Placement

-  The distribution of colonies should be accessible and convenient at all times.

          o  Beekeepers need to place, service and remove hives routinely.

-  Orchard roads should be maintained and graded for easy access. 

-  Allow hive placement in areas not prone to flooding or shade.

-  Eastern and southern exposures are better for sun and warmer temperatures and encourage bee flight for pollination.

-  Let bees do their job, place hives as to limit human and honey bee interaction. 

Agricultural Sprays 

-  Let your beekeeper know the agricultural products used for crop protection, including tank mixes.

Application and Timing

-  Honey bees come in contact with agricultural sprays in different ways:

           o  Bees may fly through the spray.

           o  Sprays may drift to hives via wind.

           o  Bees may collect and bring into the hive pollen that contains chemical residue.

-  Management practices to minimize contact are:

           o  Spray when bees are not flying.

           o  Spray when pollen is not being produced by the tree.

           o  Time applications at night or when bees are not flying.

Communication

-  Keep in contact with your beekeeper, especially prior to bloom. 

-  Inquire about supplemental feeding through the winter.

-  Ask about colony collapses, Varroa infestations, honey crop, and over-wintering.

-  Location, transportation and other factors can positively or negatively affect the strength of the colonies.

-  Negotiate rental fee, number of colonies per acre, frames of bees per colony, and payment schedule.

-  Discuss timing of hive placement prior to bloom and pick-up after bloom.

Pollination Contracts

-  A signed contract protects both grower and beekeeper.

-  Visit "Downloads' at http://www.ProjectApism.org/ for a pollination contract template.

-  Secure contracts early for the following season so beekeepers will make the investment in colony health and strength.

-  When colonies arrive in the orchard, check colony strength; 8 to 10 frames is optimum.

-  An objective third party inspection of colonies will confirm if contractual obligations have been met.

-  Allow your beekeeper time and opportunity to provide additional colonies if needed.

-  Walk your orchard during honey bee flight hours to make sure you see plenty of bee activity.