This is the most spectacular time to be in an almond orchard, as the trees are in bloom.
Almond growers are hoping for warm sunny days for the next few weeks, as this will encourage bees to fly from flower to flower and pollinate the orchard.
It’s also a critical time of the almond growing season, because the success of pollination influences the size of the crop which will be harvested from February to May.
It’s estimated around 300,000 hives will be used in almond orchards across Australia this August.
Beekeepers have travelled long distances to help with almond pollination, with some coming from Queensland to deliver hives to almond orchards in northwest Victoria.
Our state simply doesn’t have enough bees to pollinate its almond orchards.
A significant amount of planning is done to make what is regarded as Australia’s largest movement of livestock run as smoothly as possible.
A number of almond orchards in Sunraysia are Bee Friendly Farming certified.
Properties with this accreditation demonstrate they manage their land to provide bees and other pollinators with a diverse range of floral resources.
This involves bringing bees onto the orchard in a staged manner, so the maximum number of hives are on the property when bloom peaks.
Bees also need access to a water source during their stay and as the blossom season comes to an end, the pollinators like to be able to access alternative floral resources.
Some farmers plant parcels of canola for this purpose, and others have native trees.
It’s also necessary to acknowledge the work that’s been done by Agriculture Victoria.
It was the first state in Australia to develop a beehive movement permit system for the 2024 pollination season.
These rules determine if beekeepers can cross borders, and outline the reporting requirements and testing necessary to show that the bees are healthy.
Varroa mite, obviously, is on the minds of all beekeepers.
This tiny mite, which can destroy beehives and wild bee populations, was first detected at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022.
A significant amount of time was spent trying to eradicate the pest, but in September 2023 it was decided to transition to management for varroa mite.
Australia was the last continent in the world to be free of varroa destructor.
A number of varroa development officers have been employed across Australia to support beekeepers, with information and practical assistance, as they prepare to manage varroa in their hives.
Australian beekeepers will also be able to learn from their international colleagues, who have been living with varroa for many decades.
Pollination season is also when almond orchards are at their most beautiful. A growing number of photographers travel to the Mallee during the blossom season to capture the beauty.
Local photographers have the rare opportunity to immerse themselves on farm this weekend during the Mallee Almond Blossom Festival in Robinvale. One of the most popular features of the festival is the coach tours to local orchards where members of the public get the opportunity to take selfies in the blossom.
The festival is held on the grounds of the Robinvale Community Arts Centre from 10am until 4pm. Coach rides to the orchards will run until mid-afternoon.
The ABA is again pleased to support the Mallee Almond Blossom Festival, which shines a light on our industry.
ABA staff along with industry members will be providing expert commentary on the coaches during orchard tours.
