Most almond tree variety require a second tree for proper pollination.  Moreover, a standard almond tree, needs a different cultivar for pollination. Two Nonpareil, for instance, will not pollinate each other. Why? Self-incompatibility & Self fertility. This is a widespread mechanism in flowering  plants that prevents inbreeding and promotes outcrossing. Fascinating intricacy and you may find this to be way too much information. Continue reading Cross Pollination →

Can this bee? Our intuition is that the more the merrier. Evidently the beehive  needs a warning label: CAUTION: Excessive use of this product will reduce your almond crop. Continue reading Over-pollination →

Right about now we are watching the latest in a wave of Continue reading Bloom Set →

We await the official inspection report which is imminent but in the meantime I Continue reading Bee Inspection Minutia →

Bee Hives have been logically placed in drops[sites] alongside our Almond Orchard right on schedule. The ranch manager today reported a count of 344 hives. Continue reading Inspecting the Bees →

The business of farming relies heavily on modern technology and scientific advance in order to decrease risk to investment and increase profit productivity.  Sometimes high tech can only mitigate or provide a hedge against what is not entirely controllable by mankind. Think — Mother Nature. Continue reading Art or Science? →