Bee readiness belongs in the macadamia orchard plan

For macadamia growers reviewing orchard plans, hive readiness deserves as much attention as hive numbers. Two Australian resources offer a practical way to organise that conversation before making treatment decisions.

The Australian Macadamia Society lists new 2026 quick guides for both native bees and honey bees. Its native-bee summary links successful pollination to healthy colonies, suitable hive placement, habitat and communication. Its honey-bee summary likewise emphasises healthy colonies, communication and orchard management.

The summaries describe responsibilities shared between growers and beekeepers. They point readers to the fuller AMS guidelines for detail; the resource listing itself is not a hive stocking-rate recommendation or evidence of a measured yield gain.

CropLife Australia's separate macadamia husk-spot resistance strategy was updated on 22 July 2026. It says its guidance does not replace product labels and directs users to current Australian regulator information, labels and permits for particular applications.

Our reading: put the pollination discussion and treatment review in the same planning process. Ask what makes the supplied colonies ready, where hives belong and how proposed orchard work will be communicated. Use current application documents rather than treating a general guide as permission to spray.

This is a fresh reading of 2026 guidance, not a new research result or a chemical recommendation. The AMS listing identifies the year, but gives no exact release day for the quick guides.