Have hives for pollination

[Troy]

I am a small time beek, and I have a few hives that I could make available for pollination.

How would I go about finding small time farmers that need just a few hives?

I have like 10 hives available and that could do a small organic farm or some such thing.

[Dan Williamson]

I am a small time beek, and I have a few hives that I could make available for pollination.

How would I go about finding small time farmers that need just a few hives?

I have like 10 hives available and that could do a small organic farm or some such thing.

Going to be tough with only 10 hives but possible. Most people of the farms I called wanted alot more hives than 10 and didn't want to give me the time of day. I ended up simply sending out letters that talked about who I am, recognized that they already probably had a relationship with a beekeeper, but offered my colonies in case the need ever arose. I didn't hear anything for 3 months. Out of nowhere I started getting calls from people who's beekeepers couldn't fufill their obligations and the growers were now in a difficult spot.

One of the farms that called me wanted whatever I had. I only had 12 hives left available and they took them. That farm now takes 48 and the other beekeeper is history. Even if the farm that you send a letter to doesn't need your services they may pass your name along to others. This exact scenario brought business to me in the form of pollination and honey sales at a fruit frarm. Last year that ended up being roughly a $1500 customer. They only wanted 8 hives. The rest was honey sales and they pick up the honey at my home.

Sending out letters has worked out well for me. Being local also has its benefits. The growers would rather keep the business in the community as long as you can provide a quality service.

Sell yourself as dependable and reliable with strong colonies and then deliver on your promise. Word gets around quickly.

[RAlex]

Troy ...I have not tried this but seems like it would work. Its free to put an add in Craigslist. Ya could list it in the " farm and garden" or the wanted adds. ...Rick

[riverrat]

post flyers where the farmers hang out advertising your hives. Farm supply stores, elevators, sale barns.

[JohnBeeMan]

Check with all the produce stands in your area. I rent a couple of hives to a local produce farmer that primaryly only needs them for his melon crops. He is small time and so am I.

[Docking]

anyone know if the southeast use pollination services for cotton, soybeans, wheat or corn?

[Walliebee]

Docking-
Who grows the watermelons for Russellville Watermelon Fest?

I don't know about soy and cotton. Wheat and corn are wind pollinated.

Anybody growing strawberries, squash, pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, or fruit trees would benefit from renting your hives.

Often you have to go look for them and educate them!