Billions of bees on the move to southern almond orchards

AUSTRALIA'S largest livestock migration is underway this week, as billions of honey bees from across the country make the annual pilgrimage to Victoria's almond orchards. Australia's almond industry relies wholly on honey bees for pollination and will require around 277,000 hives this season, which are trucked to the orchards by commercial beekeepers. The almond flowering season begins in late July and continues for around six weeks. The winter chill encourages the trees to burst into bloom with flowers, which are then cross-pollinated by honey bees moving pollen throughout the orchard. Commercial beekeeper Peter McDonald said many consumers were not aware of the integral role the humble honey bee played in the nation's food security. "The almond pollination season has become one of the most important times of the year for the bee industry," Mr McDonald said. "Not only does it give us a good cash flow into our businesses, but it also helps to build our hive strength back up after ...