A distinct lack of buzz

The almond blossoms have mostly come and gone from the orchards around Tracy, but a key visitor made precious few showings during the short-lived bloom: the bees.

Reports from around the Central Valley have documented a distinct lack of buzz in many orchards. Coupled with a relatively late cold snap, drastic reductions in water deliveries and an overall decline in the bee population, and almond growers are predicting a much lighter crop this season.

Not a good outlook for a major piece of the valley's agricultural mosaic.