Migratory or pollenation hives

[wayne]

Can anyone answer a few questions about this aspect of Beekeepin?
 For one with the AHB around are these hives restricted on where they can travel?
 For another how important is the honey harvest to this type of operation?
It seems that the pollenation aspect would trump the honey produced.
 Lastly, for now, what are the prefered sizes of effective hives for this activity?

wayne

[BMAC]

Some people who have migratory hives also harvest honey on an annual basis.  That depends on what you want to do with it.  

Some that pollenate don't harvest any honey.

As far as the strength of the hive I believe that depends on what the farmer expects who is contracting for pollenation services.  I believe it is typically 5 - 6 frames of brood but can be as high as 8 - 9 frames per brood.  You should probably research crop specific prollenation.

[Brian D. Bray]

Crop growers have different criteria for different crops.  So the amount of brood and hive strength required varies, contact the grower you are planning to bid pollenation services with for his requirements.
California, although a state with AHB, still has inspections at its border and ban any hives of AHB entering the state.  They also inspect for parasites and disease so if You are planning on pollinating any crops in California  be prepared to be hassled.