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.
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Farmers face tighter barge capacity and higher freight costs during peak harvest.
Jeramy Stephens, with National Land Realty, says that despite today’s economic headwinds, farmland remains a resilient asset — and understanding local conditions is key to making sound decisions.
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant in keeping its supply safe from foreign animal diseases like African Swine Fever.
“American soybean farmers—who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs—deserve better.”
The shutdown is yet another hurdle for producers navigating a challenging year marked by high input costs, volatile markets, and uncertain trade conditions.
