Unfortunately it’s part of the job. They spray with fungicide while the trees are flowering which is the same time as they need the bees there. I did get my hives out before the sprayer got close to them this time, but I have had them sprayed in previous years.
There’s no minimum number. My first time I had about 12 and they went in the orchard in a load with other small loads all on one site. It all depends how far away from the orchard you are and whether it’s financially worthwhile
Cool how did u start out .did u approach individual farms or do you go through a club or something. Im up here in airlie whitsundays not many almond plantations but bowen is full of farms@bennybeekeeper
Brings back memories 😊 they are looking good and off to a good start for the year. Looking forward to queen raising
The almonds certainly gets them going. Plenty of pollen nectar and warm weather. Unfortunately not much flowering here yet.
I would be setting up a hive with a camera to see if they have been sprayed.
Unfortunately it’s part of the job. They spray with fungicide while the trees are flowering which is the same time as they need the bees there. I did get my hives out before the sprayer got close to them this time, but I have had them sprayed in previous years.
Oh man mine will be going to the almonds in a couple of months! I’m ready for it!
Good for you. How far is it from where you live? For me it’s about a 4 hour drive
@@bennybeekeeper mine is about a 13 hour drive
Will you send yours along with someone else’s hives?
@@bennybeekeeper yes myself and 2 of my mates will send some with me. We only send about 30 colonies or so not a whole bunch
How many hives do u need to get into pollination ? I'm at 40 and growing
How many hives do u need to get into pollination ??
There’s no minimum number. My first time I had about 12 and they went in the orchard in a load with other small loads all on one site. It all depends how far away from the orchard you are and whether it’s financially worthwhile
Cool how did u start out .did u approach individual farms or do you go through a club or something. Im up here in airlie whitsundays not many almond plantations but bowen is full of farms@bennybeekeeper
Get to know other beekeepers that do pollination and tag along with them