Newsroom, April 2011
The 2011 pollination season has finished. There may have been a small shortage of bees in Southern California, but for the central valley the bee supply was adequate. As you plan for the 2012 pollination season, be aware that the USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has halted the importation of all honey bees from Australia. This ban took effect in early October. This was a partial reason for a shortage of bees.
This decision was made after APHIS considered the potential risk that imported Australian honey bees may pose from introducing new pests and diseases to honey bees in the U.S. Based on the continuing spread of a non-native bee (Apis cerana) in Australia and the uncertainties about what new viral diseases it may be spreading among bee populations in Australia, APHIS believes honey bee imports from Australia pose an unacceptable risk of introducing new diseases in the United States. Sited from www.almondboard.com
780,000 Bearing Almond Acres Estimated for 2011. 2010 almond acreage was estimated at 760,000 bearing acres.
California State Agriculture Dept.
Ant-Free Certification Protocol
For 2012 season, you must complete Official Certification form with required information (9 items) Provide bee shipper with original certificate and one copy. Ca. border station retains original, copy stays with bee shipment. Forms available at: www.cdfa.ca.gov
Beekeeping News :
Honey Bee Nutrition
Scientists have emphasized that malnutrition may be playing a role in the decline of colonies due to Colony Collaspe Disorder (CCD). Referenced by www.projectapism.org Honey bees require a diversity of natural pollen. However, forage can be limited in late summer and fall. Supplemental feeding is critical for building bees for early almond pollination by February 1st. Water is just as important. Be sure to provide plentiful and abundant water.
Pollen Supplements
Work by the Tuscon and Weslaco Bee Labs have clearly demonstrated the value of feeding pollen supplement to boost protein levels in colonies. Various products or "home brew" formulas will do the job, although a USDA trial gave good marks to MegaBee, developed at the Tucson lab. The most important findings from Dr. Frank Eischen's work is that the earlier you start feeding, the stronger the colonies will be come almond bloom next season, that a far greater percentage of well-fed colonies make "grade," and that well-fed colonies better resist varroa and nosema.
Does Protein Matter: YES, YES, YES. The more protein, the more longevity of the bees. Being able to prolong bee life 4 to 5 days makes a larger, healthy colony. Colonies grow at a greater rate w/protein. Even if you have mites, feeding protein can help the hive. Some tests showed feeding protein reduced strength dwindling, improved brood size and increased frame count. Any feeding is better than no feeding. If bloom is going to be late 2 weeks, it is important to feed your bees.
Nosema Ceranae
According to www.projectapism.org, evidence suggests that the presence of Nosema is contributing to honey bee health problems. Scientists agree that Nosema ceranae is the most prevalent and economically damaging of the honey bee diseases. In serious cases, the colony may eventually die. It is important to examine and monitor your hives.
Pollination fees for 2011
Contracts have been signed ranging from $135.00 to $150.00. Many beekeepers increased their hive count this past seaon.
Don’t forget: Register hives with county of destination
Fresno Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Jerry Prieto
1730 South Maple Avenue
Fresno, California 93702
Phone: 559-456-7510
Fax: 559-456-7379
E-Mail: Fresnoag@co.fresno.ca.us
Kern County Department of Agriculture Phone: 661 868-6300
Commissioner/David Moore (Fax: 661 868-6301)
1001 South Mt. Vernon Ave. (E-Mail: agcomm@co.kern.ca.us)
Bakersfield, Ca. 93307
Merced Department of Agriculture
Commissoner/Dave Robinson
2139 Wardrobe Av.
Merced, Ca. 95340
Phone: 209 385-7431
Fax: 209 725-3910
E-Mail: ag00@co.merced.ca.us
San Joaquin County Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Scott Hudson
1868 E. Hazelton Av.
Stockton, Ca. 95205
Phone: 209 468-3300
Fax: 209 468-3330
E-Mail: shudson@sjgov.org
Stanislaus Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Dennis Gudgel
3800 Cornicopia Wy.
Modesto, California 95358
Phone: 209 525-4730
Fax: 209 525-4790
E-Mail: AgCom50@co.stanislaus.ca.us
Tulare County Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Gary Kunkel
4437 S. Laspina Street
Tulare, Ca. 93274
Phone: 559 685-3323
Fax: 559 685-3335
E-Mail: gkunkel@co.tulare.ca.us
USDA Port contacts for Bee Shipments
*San Francisco: Norman Lau, phone: 650 989-2577 Fax 650 989-2599
*Los Angeles: Mon-Fri.: Jon Bailey/Javier Camberos 310 725-1926
Fax 310 215-2367
