Bee theft is on the rise after beekeepers faced their highest nationwide losses in fourteen years.
Data from last year shows beekeepers are believed to have lost over 50% of their managed bee colonies.
The drop in numbers had led to some concern with demand for bees starting to peak in California’s almond-growing regions. Millions of bees are required to pollinate the trees which are mostly located in the San Joaquin Valley.
Last year, an estimated 3,600 hives were stolen in the area and that trend is expected to grow this year.
The California State Beekeepers Association has even launched a new theft prevention program, using air tags, marked bee boxes, and cameras.
Related Stories
A slimmed-down Farm Bill is back on the table in Washington, with lawmakers pushing for a deal by Fall 2025. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas weighs in with his outlook.
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.
A group of 32 Democratic senators is urging ag lawmakers to halt their opposition to Prop 12 in the next Farm Bill.
In honor of Rural Road Safety Week, we’re highlighting some commonly overlooked hazards on rural roads, where 40 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States occur.
