Cold weather in California comes at the worst possible time for the state's almond farmers. These low temperatures inhibit bees from pollinating almond blooms, which delays the flowering season.
"If there are no bees, you will not have any almonds. It really is that easy,” said the former president of the Sacramento Area Beekeepers Association.
Bees will typically stay inside their hives during rainy weather. Bees won't leave their colony if the temperature is below fifty degrees, and rain and wetness might be lethal. Given the outlook for this week, fewer bees will be collecting nectar and pollinating flowers given the outlook.
According to Mel Machado, a representative for Blue Diamond Growers, "almonds are the first crop that the bees see coming out of the winter season. For us to have a crop, the bees must pollinate our crops. The bloom is also necessary for beekeepers since it helps to fortify their hives and get them ready for the remainder of the year,” added Machado.
The two-week flowering period is all that it has. Most orchards are either at or very close to their peak blooming season. The procedure can be halted by the forecasted colder weather.
Less bee activity means less pollination, which could lead to lower yields.
Source: CBS News Sacramento