Hear that buzz?

The long-awaited update of the landmark UC Davis-authored book, Queen Bee Rearing and Bee Breeding by Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. (1907-2003), “the father of bee genetics,”  and his former doctoral research mentee Robert E. Page Jr., now an internationally known bee geneticist, is about to be published.

Wicwas Press of Kalamazoo, Mich., published the landmark book in 1996 and now will publish the updated book, Honey Bee Genetics and Breeding, written by Page and dedicated to Professor Laidlaw.

“This book is long overdue,” said Page, whose career took him from doctoral student to professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology to provost of Arizona State University. “Although it isn’t actually a revision of Queen Rearing and Bee Breeding that I wrote with Harry Laidlaw 25 years ago, it does bring that book up-to-date with respect to genetics and breeding.  And there is still a lot of Harry in it.”

The Laidlaw-Page book was “for beekeepers who know little about genetics, and geneticists who know little about beekeeping.”

Page said he never expected Wicwas Press would still be selling the inaugural book nearly 30 years later.  “Harry used to remind me frequently that a revision was needed, we intended to do it, but he passed September 19, 2003, at the age of 96. I considered revising the book many times, but life got in the way, and I struggled with what more I could say about queen rearing.”

Reviewers hail the 182-page book as “probably the best reference for learning about bee breeding theory and practice and the history of honey bee genetics.” Page offers examples of both successful and unsuccessful bee breeding programs.

The chapters include “Principles of Inheritance,” “Mechanisms of Inheritance,” “Principles of Breeding,” “Disease Resistance,” “Defensive Behavior” and “Honey Production.”

“The fundamentals of queen rearing have been with us since G.M. Doolittle’s book Scientific Queen Rearing first published in 1889,” Page related. “Methods have evolved through a process of natural selection with different queen producers developing their own specific modifications that get passed on, shared, and adopted or rejected by others until we have the practices used by queen producers today. But still, they are not far from the fundamentals of Doolittle.”

Page noted, however, that “our understanding of the genetic basis of inheritance and the development of genetic tools for exploring the genetic architectures of honey bee traits has undergone a major transformation since 1996. The biggest leap in honey bee genetics came with the sequencing of the honey bee genome, published in 2006, an enormous international effort to assemble 240 million base pairs (building blocks of DNA) that contain about 10,000 genes.”  Gene Robinson of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne, spearheaded that effort.

“Colony and individual traits are now routinely explored by genetic mapping, facilitating the identification of associated genes whose expression may be altered, thus enabling the investigation of their effects,” Page writes in his book. “We are on the cusp of the next great transformations: (1) the use of gene sequence information to reliably identify specific genes and enhance classical selection for economically important traits, and (2) the ability to transform genes, by editing them, into more favorable forms that may affect behavior and/or disease resistance.”

Since 1996, the main emphasis of bee breeding “has shifted from increasing honey production and reducing defensive behavior to controlling diseases,” Page wrote. “The increasing apicultural problems presented by varroa mites and their associated diseases puts pressure on bee breeders to find solutions through genetic stock improvement to reduce the use of chemical treatments in hives.”

“The purity of honey is paramount in the perception of the public,” Page shared. “We must do all we can to preserve that. The tremendous worldwide effort to breed varroa resistance mechanisms into commercial honey bees has had only limited success, so far. But much has been learned about honey bee genetics and breeding, varroa biology and potential mechanisms of resistance in honey bees. Hopefully, the new genetic tools being developed will be employed and lead to more success.”

Internationally recognized bee breeder and geneticist Susan Cobey, a mentee of Laidlaw, a former manager of the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility at UC Davis,  and a newly retired Washington State University scientist, praises the book as demystifying technical aspects and filling in the knowledge gaps.  “Honey bee breeding is a lifelong adventure and passion,” she writes in the foreword. “As a young, idealistic beekeeper venturing into developing a commercial stock, Dr. Harry Laidlaw told me, ‘You will never be bored by the challenge of selecting the ‘super’ bee. She doesn’t exist, the journey will be the reward.’ Four decades later, this has proven true.”

Cobey applied the Page-Laidlaw Closed Population Breeding Program (CPBP) theory to develop and maintain her New World Carniolan line. “The practicality and simplicity of the program gave it longevity. Many bee breeding programs have now converted to use this breeding scheme, including the USDA Hilo project.”

“The literature addressing bee genetics, breeding scheme methodologies and assays for selecting desirable traits are scattered in the scientific, research and beekeeping journals,” Cobey wrote. “It’s like a large puzzle with missing pieces. Finally, in this book, Rob Page covers these subjects clearly, comprehensively, supported by his research with a highly informative and fascinating presentation.”

Page, considered by his peers as “the most influential honey bee biologist of the past 30 years,” is known for his research on honey bee behavior and population genetics, particularly the evolution of complex social behavior. One of his most salient contributions to science was to construct the first genomic map of the honey bee, which sparked a variety of pioneering contributions not only to insect biology but to genetics at large.

Page pioneered the use of modern techniques to study the genetic basis of social behavior evolution in honey bees and other social insects. He was the first to employ molecular markers to study polyandry and patterns of sperm use in honey bees. He provided the first quantitative demonstration of low genetic relatedness in a highly eusocial species.

For 24 years, from 1989 to 2015, Page maintained a UC Davis honey bee-breeding program, managed by bee breeder-geneticist Kim Fondrk. Their contributions include discovering a link between social behavior and maternal traits in bees. Their work was featured in a cover story in the journal Nature. In all, Nature featured his work on four covers from work mostly done at UC Davis.

 Page is also the author of The Spirit of the Hive: The Mechanisms of Social Evolution (Harvard University Press, 2013) and the Art of the Bee: Shaping the Environment from Landscapes to Societies (Oxford University Press, 2020).  In 2023, he launched a publicly accessible  and free YouTube Channel, https://youtube.com/@artofthebee.

A native of Bakersfield, Page received his doctorate in entomology in 1980 from UC Davis, studying with major professor Norman Gary and Laidlaw, his doctoral research mentor. Page  advanced  to professor and chair of the Department of Entomology (now the Department of Entomology and Nematology), serving as the chair from 1999-2004. A second career emerged when Arizona State University (ASU) recruited him in 2004.

Today Page holds the titles of ASU University Provost Emeritus and Regents Professor Emeritus as well as UC Davis Distinguished Emeritus Professor and Emeritus Chair of the UC Davis Entomology Department.

UC Davis Professor Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. with graduate student and mentee Robert E. Page Jr., circa 1980

Robert E. Page

The California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association (CCGGA) and Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA) in partnership with Cardinal Professional Products conducted a day long tour and training session on cotton gins and tree nut hullers and processors on air pollution permitting and issues. 24 engineers from all three regions (North, Central and South) of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District attended the training which included classroom training on fumigation practices and procedures, as well as cotton gin operation and how its air pollution control works. In addition, basic tree nut huller operation was introduced and demonstrated. The purpose of the training was to help permitting engineers know and understand the process of these operations to help expedite permitting times. The group toured Perfect PAC  LP, led by WAPA Board Member Jason Baldwin, Sierra Valley Almonds, led by WAPA Board Members Jim Sears, and Olam Cotton’s Silver Creek Gin, led by CCGGA Board Member Matt Toste. The training was led by the Association’s Director of Technical Services Christopher McGlothlin and President/CEO Roger A. Isom. Representing Cardinal Products was Doug Belle and Kevin Willet.

Courtesy of the CDFA 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces two vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC).

This subcommittee provides technical and scientific advice to the Feed Inspection Advisory Board and CDFA on animal food nutrition, safety and efficacy data review of new and unapproved feed ingredients, research project oversight and other issues that will affect the Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, Livestock Drug Program and Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE) Program.

Applicants must demonstrate technical, applied and scientific expertise in the fields of toxicology, pathology, ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition, as well as possess general knowledge of the California feed industry.

The term of office for subcommittee members is three years. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses. Individuals interested in being considered for appointment should send a resume and a Feed TASC Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/FIAB-TASC_PMAQ.pdf) to SAFE@cdfa.ca.gov. The application deadline is October 21, 2024.

Courtesy of Westlands Water District 

Westlands Water District is encouraged by the recent decision to employ adaptive management as part of implementing a regulation affecting our federal and state water projects. The decision was related to the implementation of the Fall X2 measure, one piece of a set of operational measures set to enforce the Endangered Species Act. This example of relying on recent scientific information and real-time monitoring is an encouraging example of how flexible management can contribute to achieving the co-equal goals of ecosystem protection and a reliable water supply for the farms that feed that nation.

Based on the broad body of scientific knowledge, which includes a recent peer-reviewed scientific assessment of the benefits of implementation of the Fall X2 action, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) modified the Fall X2 action using an adaptive management component of the action. The Fall X2 action is intended to provide beneficial habitat conditions in the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta for endangered Delta smelt and other native species after a wet or above-normal water year. Through adaptive management this year, the Fall X2 measure was implemented in September while adding an action to operate the Suisun Marsh Salinity Gates, providing much-needed additional food and habitat for the species.

The Fall X2 action for Delta Smelt has the potential to result in a large water supply reduction for cities and farms. In 2023 the water cost to implement the Fall X2 action was greater than 730,000 acre-feet between the Central Valley and State Water projects. This year’s action demonstrates the ability to use recent scientific information and monitoring to adaptively manage the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act while providing similar or better outcomes for the species. This year’s action also acknowledges the value of preserving our water resources for future purposes, including fish and wildlife benefits.

Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District, stated, “Water is the lifeblood of our valley. We are encouraged to see the dedication from both State and Federal agencies to maximize the value of our limited water supplies while improving fishery conditions through flexibility and innovation. We applaud operators of both projects and fisheries agencies for their demonstrated commitment to science-based decision-making and their efforts to make transparent adaptive management a fundamental practice in the Delta.”

Fall X2 action modification aligns with the intended protections outlined in the 2020 Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and the 2019 Biological Opinion while smartly conserving our water supplies. Westlands looks forward to continuing our partnership with State and Federal agencies to refine these processes further, enhancing outcomes for both fisheries and water supply across California.

Congressmen David G. Valadao (R-CA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have introduced the bipartisan Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act after months of collaborative work on agricultural disaster relief. This legislation was developed in partnership with the Almond Alliance and a coalition of agricultural groups across California.

The bill aims to provide crucial support for farmers and rural communities that have been severely impacted by catastrophic natural disasters in 2023, including floods, droughts, and wildfires. This initiative comes in response to the significant challenges faced by California’s agricultural sector, which suffered billions in damages and losses due to severe weather events in 2023 alone.

The bill proposes $14 billion in disaster relief funding to the Office of the Secretary for Agriculture for 2023 disaster expenses, aimed at helping farmers recover from crop and livestock losses. It incorporates provisions from past relief programs, including drought definitions and direct payments, and ensures simultaneous payment administration for all producers. With California’s almond industry severely affected by ongoing drought and flooding, the Almond Alliance sees this relief package as vital to ensuring both the immediate recovery and long-term sustainability of the nation’s farming communities.

“Our almond growers and farmers across the nation faced significant losses in 2023 due to natural disasters,” said Blake Vann, Chairman of the Almond Alliance. “This bill will ensure they have the resources needed to recover and continue feeding our markets. It’s critical that Congress moves quickly to get this aid to the producers who are counting on it.”

The Almond Alliance thanks Rep. Valadao and Rep. Panetta for their leadership in introducing the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. Their efforts are crucial to supporting farmers impacted by recent natural disasters.

Reps. Reps joined Valadao and Panetta in the introduction. John Duarte (R-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Vince Fong (R-CA), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Salud Cabrajal (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Mike Thompson and Josh Harder (D-CA).

Courtesy of the Almond Board of California 

Harvest 2024 is estimated to be up 21% percent from last year after solid bloom.

The 2024 California Almond Forecast published Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2024 will come in at 3 billion pounds, 21 percent above last year’s 2.47 billion pounds.

Forecasted yield is 2,170 pounds per acre, 380 pounds from the 2023 harvest.

“This larger crop estimate is what the industry expected after a productive bloom this spring, but it is also a testament to the hard work done by almond farmers throughout California during difficult times,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “Demand for California almonds around the globe continues to grow and our almond farmers constantly deliver on producing high quality California almonds to meet that demand.”

The report said, “The 2024 almond crop experienced fluctuating, but mostly favorable weather for the first half of the growing season. The bloom began the second week in February for the early varieties. There were a handful of storms that brought rain, wind, and hail to some areas, but overall mild temperatures and excellent weather from the end of February into early March helped boost pollination. Bee hours were reported to be significantly higher than last year … There was minimal to no threat of frost damage and water allocation is not an issue for the second year in a row.

This Subjective Forecast is the first of two production reports from USDA-NASS for the coming crop year. It is an estimate based on opinions from a survey conducted from April 19 to May 5 of 500 randomly selected California almond growers. The sample of growers, which changes every year, is spread across regions and different sized operations, and they had the option to report their data by mail, online or phone.

On July 10, USDA-NASS will release its second production estimate, the 2024 California Almond Objective Report, which will be based on actual almond counts in approximately 1,000 orchards using a more statistically rigorous methodology to determine yield. If the 3.0 billion pounds holds, it would be the second largest crop on record.

This Subjective Forecast comes two weeks after Land IQ’s 2024 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate found that bearing almond acreage in California has decreased about 600 acres from the previous year to 1.373 million acres.

USDA-NASS conducts the annual Subjective Forecast and Objective Report to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions. These reports are the official industry crop estimates.

Courtesy of the Almond Board of California 

Elections for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors will launch for the 2024-2025 crop year on Friday, Feb. 9 with the call to all candidates to file their petitions or declarations of candidacy by April 1, 2024.

The industry will choose people to hold two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions on the ABC Board of Directors in voting that starts April 22 and ends May 23. Alternate seats for those spots are also open.

To be considered for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (as verified by ABC). Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections. All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

“The ABC Board of Directors is tremendously important to the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on them to guide the work of the Almond Board and to help the industry navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive future.”

The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.