| BEEEKEEPER NEWSLETTER - November 25, 2002 |
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THE NEW THING Sometimes a change comes along that is immediately recognized as an innovation that will change an industry - the moveable frame might be an example in the bee industry. Sometimes the change is so gradual that it is imperceptible until one day, or one year, you suddenly realize that things are different - that they will never be the same. (the change from boom trucks to forklifts could be an example). I recently became aware of one of these gradual changes - a change that affects my business and yours: in recent years, beekeepers have steadily improved the product they are delivering to almond growers ("beekeepers'' here, refers to beekeepers that don't bring bees through us; our product - your bees - has maintained a consistently high level over the years, however we handle only a very small percentage of the total almond acreage). Some of you have peeked in other beekeepers' almond colonies over the years and have asked me ''How can any almond grower accept such 'junk'?'' [2, 3 or 4 frame colonies]. They can, and have, but the number of "junk" colonies has steadily decreased over the years. There will always be some out there, but not nearly as many as in past years. The main reason for the improvement in overall colony strength is rising almond pollination prices. As bee rentals become an increased part of the budget, almond growers are paying closer attention to the product they are getting and hiring county or independent inspectors to check colony strength. Higher pollination prices are also allowing beekeepers to spend the necessary time and money to build strong colonies for almonds. Some beekeepers, who a few years ago ridiculed those that spent $10 a colony on supplemental fall and winter feeding are now undertaking a feeding program themselves. At the recent California bee convention, one of the most highly attended sessions was the 3 beekeeper panel (Dave Bradshaw, Norm Gary and Russell Heitkam - good beekeepers all) that outlined their feeding programs for getting strong almond colonies. So, our competition is improving their product. My first reaction upon becoming aware of this new reality, or to use a fancier term, ''new paradigm"*, was "Its about time!" After sleeping on it, this changed to "Uh, oh, they're catching up to us." Statewide, most almond growers will be paying more for bees in 2003. Some almond growers in our area are paying $48 for 8-frame average bees; some have a 6-frame minimum, some an 8-frame minimum. One is paying a $4 bonus ($52) for 10-frame colonies. Some of our growers have complained about our price increase for 2003. The term "ridiculous'' was used by more than one. Others are aware that the product they are receiving warrents the price and have not complained. The only way we can maintain pollination prices is to maintain the gap between ourselves and the competition. To do this, we need your help under the conditions of our current agreements with you. If we lose growers due to price
for the 2004 season, we will be cutting back on those beekeepers
that delivered the poorest bees. Many beekeepers have delivered
us 10-frame colonies year in and year out; these beekeepers will
always have a place with us. For 2 beekeepers, we have never
found a colony less than 8 frames over a 10 year period. These
2 beekeepers tell us how many colonies they want to deliver each
year and we accommodate them. For those beekeepers that bring
excessive numbers of sub-standard bees in 2003, don't be surprised
if we reduce your count in 2004. If you wish to cut back on your
2003 count, please advise us by the first of the year. http://members.aol.com/queenb95/sperm.html (you can access Tom's home
page from here where he has a lot of other good stuff) The spermatheca
is removed and checked.* Poor weather during mating can reduce the amount of sperm in the spermatheca. Weather is beyond the control of the queen breeder, but if you're buying queens, look up the long-range forecasts for your suppliers area; buy queens mated during good weather. Data at the CA convention showed
that most queen breeders supply an excellent product - mite-free,
fully mated queens. There can be exceptions, so ask your queen
supplier about his mite control and quality control procedures. The Honey Board does not
promote foreign honey (as such). It promotes all honey (some
of which could be foreign). The Honey Board is currently testing
a number of U.S. honeys for their medicinal value. Call us anytime for an update
on things up (or out) here. Toll-free number: (877) 356-5846 |