Managed Honeybee Colony Numbers Increasing

The USDA said the number of managed honey bee colonies has increased over the last decade.  While recent public attention has focused largely on colony mortality trends, overall colony numbers have increased since 2006.  USDA said the number of managed colonies has increased from roughly two million in 2006 to near 2.8 million last year.

However, honeybee mortality, as measured by the loss of a honeybee colony, has remained high over the last decade.  In the 2006-2007 counting period, approximately 30% of honeybee colonies were lost during the over-winter period.  The over-winter loss rate has since diminished to 22% in 2014-2015, but over-summer losses have grown.

The net result is that about 44% of colonies perished in 2015-2016, compared with 36% in 2010-2011.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com