Goods and Services Provided
[Updated February 6th/2010]
General Update
Alfalfa crops did not turn out nearly as good as I anticipated at August 1/09. We simply had a poor growing season and the bees could not work well. Terrible harvest conditions in September & October compounded the problems. A great November allowed for the crop to be harvested but yields are much less than anticipated, but the quality is great.
Leafcutter Bees For Sale
Because of the poor season, the bees did not pollinate well nor did they re-produce very well. A rate of 1.3 x seems to be good this year. It sounds like more producers are leaving this industry so there may be some available. We may have a few leafcutter bees for sale unless a good custom pollinating opportunity arrises. Don't wait too long to purchase this year.
Alfalfa Seed For Sale
We have no alfalfa seed for sale this season. We had a smaller than usual crop and a late harvest. Seed quality was great. All of our seed was sold to a seed processor.
Surplus Equipment
We have some surplus equipment for sale that we no longer require:
1) 35 +/- Metal frame bee shelters - C/W covers & pegs
2) Four blue plastic shelters on wood bases
3) Two Cold Pak Units (Air condtioners for small incubators)
4) 300 +/- Used 48" nest blocks
5) 100 +/- Used 42" nest blocks
Custom Pollinating
We seek to expand our custom pollinating services and are searching for areas with bush or shelter belts. We believe this is a good venture for farmers with smaller land plots and look forward to developing the alfalfa industry between Lanigan and Craven. Anyone interested in this service should contact us well in advance. A good alfalfa stand requires long term planning.
Material Handling and Management
Having spent many years in this industry, we can offer much information and advice on the handling and storage of leafcutters and related equipment. Efficient use of storage space in shops is very important.
Specialty Crops & Leaf Cutter Bees
As you are aware, the honey bee industry is suffering. We continue to explore and develop the use of leafcutter bees as an alternate and perhaps more effective pollinator in many different crops.
Alfalfa & Leaf Cutter Bee Industry
As grain prices increased over the last few years, some people in this industry have quit or downsized. If you feel this would be a good industry for you, please give us a call. We have helped new growers get started and can offer some good advice.
New Ideas
There is nothing constant in this world and we enjoy the opportunity to converse and work with people in new ventures. We have talked with people in several different countries and fields of interest regarding alfalfa and leafcutter bees. All ideas are worthy of discussion.