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Learn the critical process of evaluating bee colonies for commercial almond pollination in this 16-minute beekeeping video. Discover how to assess whether hives meet the stringent requirements for almond-grade pollination contracts, including the eight-frame average standard that colonies must achieve. Examine real colonies that have been overwintering in California holding yards since December, just weeks before almond bloom begins. Master the evaluation techniques for assessing colony strength, brood patterns, food stores, and cluster size that determine pollination readiness. Explore winter feeding strategies using pollen and fondant, analyze queen laying patterns, and understand how to manage both weak hives and colonies that are already thriving. Gain behind-the-scenes insight into the commercial beekeeping industry and the high-pressure world of almond pollination contracts, learning what happens before hives are transported to orchards for one of agriculture's most demanding pollination seasons.
