Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1099801
8 ASSESSING HIVE QUALITY AND STRENGTH Hives should be inspected as they arrive in the orchard, either by the beekeeper or an objective third-party apiary inspector, and the grower should observe the inspection. Hives should be inspected for colony strength (see Preparing for Arrival, Page 7) and for other parameters as agreed upon between the grower and beekeeper. An inspection will determine if the terms stated in the grower/beekeeper agreement are being met. Typically, only a representative sample of hives will be inspected. If the beekeeper is not conducting the inspection, growers should be sure to notify the beekeeper of the inspection so they can assist in handling the hives. It is best to let the hives acclimate to the orchard landscape before conducting the inspection. Colony strength evaluations not only help ensure growers get what they pay for, they also help ensure that beekeepers are compensated for additional expenses in providing quality hives. Comprehensive guidelines for all parties can be found in the learning course "Honey Bees and Colony Strength Evaluation," which can be accessed at Class.UCANR.edu in the Agriculture folder. This online education and training course provides protocols for assessing the strength of honey bees and colonies, and can also help growers become better informed when renting hives from beekeepers and hiring apiary inspectors. The course covers basic bee biology and colony organization, different inspection procedures and standards, and how to recognize some parasites, diseases and other potential problems. Growers can further monitor colony strength by walking orchards daily during bee flight hours to observe activity levels. In addition, growers should record hives that appear weak (i.e., relatively few bees coming and going at the hive entrance) or inactive, and then report those hives to the beekeeper. A hive inspection includes an evaluation of colony strength. (Photo courtesy Project Apis m.) Hives should be inspected by an apiary inspector or the beekeeper as soon as bees arrive in the orchard. When walking orchards during bee flight hours, look for bees carrying pollen on their legs, which confirms that pollination is taking place. (Photo courtesy Project Apis m.)