What would you charge per hive for this pollination contract?

[IndianaHoney]

I have a pumpkin farmer that needs some hives to pollinate pumpkins from August until the end of October. He lives about 20 miles from me. What would you charge per hive for this contract? Can you give me a base rate, then fuel. Keep in mind that I will have to make an extra trip for mite treatments. I figure my total fuel cost will be 30.00 (truck has a four banger).

[IndianaHoney]

Anyone? I don't want to overcharge, or undercharge this guy. What do you guys usually get per hive?

[florida pollinator]

I would charge at least 50- 60 $$$ per hive.Unless he's organic your going to get exposed to ethel,methal ,kill your bees ,stuff

[BerkeyDavid]

Indiana I would charge $50 per hive.

[jeeper038]

Indiana I would charge $50 per hive.

Is that per month, total for the time the hives are at the farm, or what?

[IndianaHoney]

Thank you for the reply guys. I got the contract set-up today. Four hives for 50 each. I'm not worried about pesticides. The contract has a clause that he has to notify me 48 hours in advance so that I can move the hives. If he applies any pesticides, I'll move the hives for one week, then move them back, at his expense. If he doesn't notify me, I'll charge him 1000.00 per hive that has pesticide damage. That would cover the equipment, the bees, and next year's crop.

[Dan Williamson]

I didn't see this post until now, but I charge more than that for spring pollination jobs that also produce honey for me. Its more than fuel costs. You have to figure in your labor AND what you will now need to feed the bees. Pumpkins and plants like those don't put off much nectar. Typically the bees consume more feed than they bring in. You will likely have to feed more to these on pollination jobs. So... that said... now how much are you going to need to feed them and what will that cost?

Personally, I think it's a risk to be pollinating that late in the year in this area if you are hoping those hives make it thru the winter in strong condition. Alot can happen on pollination jobs especially with potential sprays, stress of moving, lack of sufficient forage for winter stores etc. If you have alot of hives and can afford to lose a few then it might be worth the risk for the right $$. To each their own.

Best wishes.