Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystems and agriculture, serving as primary pollinators for a vast array of crops and wild plants. Their activities not only ensure biodiversity but also significantly bolster global food production and economies.

The Vital Role of Bees in Agriculture

Approximately one-third of the world’s food production relies on bees for pollination. This includes essential crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. In the United States alone, the economic value attributed to honey bee pollination services is estimated to range between $1.6 and $5.7 billion annually. In Australia, the unrecognized value of honey bee pollination is believed to be in the order of $14.2 billion per annum.

Recent Trends in Bee Populations

Globally, the number of managed bee colonies has shown an upward trend. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that there were approximately 101.6 million bee colonies worldwide in 2021, marking a 47% increase compared to 1990. Similarly, in the United States, the honeybee population reached an all-time high, with 3.8 million colonies reported in 2024, a rise of almost a million colonies over the last five years.

Challenges Facing Bee Populations

Despite these encouraging numbers, beekeepers continue to face significant challenges. In the United States, beekeepers lost 45.5% of their managed honey bee colonies from April 2020 to April 2021. More recently, from April 2023 to April 2024, beekeepers reported an estimated loss of 55.1% of their colonies, the highest annual loss rate since 2010-2011. These losses are attributed to factors such as pests, diseases, pesticide exposure, and environmental stressors.

Economic Implications of Bee Decline

The decline in bee populations poses significant economic threats. For instance, California’s almond industry, which heavily relies on bee pollination, is under threat due to severe losses in honeybee populations. Beekeepers have reported losing an average of 62% of their bees from June 2024 to February 2025, resulting in a catastrophic loss of 1.1 million colonies. This bee shortage may lead to decreased almond production and increased consumer prices.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting two beekeeping clinics this spring:

• Dates & Times: April 12 and April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, Michigan.

These workshops, titled “A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Hive,” are tailored for individuals new to beekeeping or those seeking to enhance their apicultural knowledge. Topics covered include bee biology, necessary equipment, apiary setup, bee installation, health care, and seasonal maintenance. The cost to attend is $30. Registration can be completed online through the Michigan DNR website by selecting the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 231-779-1321.

Participating in these clinics not only provides valuable insights into beekeeping but also contributes to supporting local bee populations, which are essential for pollinating orchards, gardens, and food plots with fruit trees.

Conclusion

Bees are indispensable to our environment and agriculture. While global bee colony numbers have risen, the high loss rates experienced by beekeepers highlight the ongoing challenges these pollinators face. Supporting initiatives like local beekeeping workshops and implementing bee-friendly practices are essential steps toward ensuring the health and sustainability of bee populations for future generations.