Pollination Using Honey Bees AgGuide

Learn how strong honey bee colonies can be prepared and managed for crop pollination with Pollination Using Honey Bees AgGuide, available from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies.

Pollination work brings beekeepers and growers together around a shared goal: moving healthy, suitable colonies into crops at the right time and in the right numbers.

This guide addresses both sides of that relationship, explaining what the beekeeper needs to do to prepare colonies and what growers can do to create better conditions for successful pollination.

Pollination Is More Than Delivering Hives

A colony used for pollination needs sufficient population, appropriate nutrition and good health.

The guide examines honey bee colonies, hive strength, stock selection and operation size, helping readers understand that simply placing any available hive into an orchard does not automatically create an effective pollination service.

Nutrition and health problems are also covered because weak or poorly nourished colonies may not perform as expected.

Stocking Rates for More Than 60 Plant Species

Different crops have different pollination requirements.

The book describes specific honey bee stocking rates for more than 60 plant species, providing a useful reference when planning hive numbers.

This can help growers avoid relying on guesswork and gives beekeepers a stronger basis for discussing how many colonies may be required.

Floral structure and other agents of pollination are also considered, giving context to why crop requirements vary.

Pesticides, Orchard Design & Hive Placement

Pollination success depends heavily on the environment in which colonies are placed.

The guide covers pesticides, orchard design and management, and the practical management of hives while they are on the crop.

It also looks at pollination under netting and in glasshouses, where bee movement and orientation can differ from open-field conditions.

Post-pollination hive management is included as well, recognising that colonies still need care after they leave the crop.

Agreements Between Growers & Beekeepers

Commercial pollination is a business relationship as well as a biological process.

The AgGuide includes information about contracts and agreements between growers and beekeepers, together with a sample pollination agreement.

This helps both parties think about responsibilities, timing and expectations before hives arrive.

A section on bee brokers and standard operating procedures broadens its usefulness for more professional pollination operations.

Whether you are considering paid pollination services or want to better understand how honey bees support horticultural and broadacre crops, this is a practical Australian reference.

Order Pollination Using Honey Bees AgGuide from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies. For books, hive equipment or pollination-related enquiries, call 02 9477 5569 or email info@hornsby-beekeeping.com.