Where it’s so cold, bees aren’t buzzing

Another cold snap is expected this week in central Washington state’s Yakima Valley, worrying growers in some of the nation’s most productive orchards who are already contending with biting cold, snow and hail.

Growers said orchards were laden with snow on Wednesday, an unusual sight, the Yakima HeraldRepublic reported. Growers have been using wind machines and smudge pots to warm the apple, pear and cherry orchards.

Washington State Tree Fruit Association spokesperson Tim Kovis said the trees were in bloom but the cold was keeping the bees from pollinating, which is the biggest concern. “This is the window that is essential for the bees to be out in the orchards and pollinating those buds for the growing process,” he said.