such as pesticide use during
bloom. Outline a pesticide plan
containing which materials will be
applied when and how everyone
in the communication chain
will be notified. A few other
expectations to consider are
the number of frames of honey
bees, including averages and
minimums; the date and location
of placement in the orchard;
payment amounts and terms; and
when bees will be removed from
the orchard.
Prepare for Arrival
Consider the optimal placement
of each hive in your orchard.
Placing hives appropriately can
enhance pollination. A general
rule of thumb is to place an
average of two hives per acre
that have an average of eight
framers of bees with six-frame
minimum hive strength. Moving
hives into orchards at about 10%
bloom is recommended. Growers
should provide a clear area for
bee drop-off and keep access
roads clear and maintained.
Hives should be placed in
areas with eastern and southern
exposures and away from areas
prone to shade or flooding. This
will encourage honey bee flight.
Make sure to choose locations
that have appropriate buffers
between pesticide-treated areas
and colonies. Provide abundant
water for bees to drink, so they
spend time pollinating rather than
searching for water.
Assess Hive Strength and Quality
Inspect beehives as they arrive in
the orchard. The inspector can be a
third-party apiary inspector or the
beekeeper who is observed by the
grower. Make plans for who will
inspect hives ahead of time.
These simple steps will get you ready
for pollination and a strong start to
the 2018 almond growing season. For
more information, visit almonds.com/
pollination.
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