Pacific Northwest apple pollination is inextricably linked with California almond pollination. Virtually every commercial beekeeper that supplies bees to Northwest apple orchards also pollinates California almond orchards in February and March. The almond pollination season in any given year gives a reliable preview of what honeybee condition will be like for Northwest apple growers. The condition of honeybees in California almond orchards this year ranged from very poor to very good, as it does every year. Problems with Colony Collapse Disorder (see “Causes of CCD”) are making it increasingly difficult for beekeepers to supply strong, healthy colonies to almond growers. […]