Harry and Andony welcome back Northern California queen producer and almond pollination broker Russell Heitkam of Heitkam's Honey Bees to discuss looming challenges for the 2027 almond season. Heitkam reports high trucking costs driven by diesel prices (especially in California), labor increases, and expensive but necessary mite treatments, arguing beekeepers need to negotiate a per-hive increase of at least $15 per hive to cover transport and stay viable. He shares regional intel on elevated mite pressure, poor honey crops, tight finances, and early demand for Florida-made splits, suggesting pollination hive availability and quality could be tight even before winter losses. He also warns that a potential "super El Niño" could require heavy feeding and strong stocking rates.