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
RFD-TV News contributor Roger McOwen covers important topics in ag law and taxation, including FBAR, Read Before Signing, Reporting 4-H Income, and Attorney-Client Privilege.
A five-year-old in Etheridge, Tennessee, lost his life in a grain auger. His mother shares her story to ensure that other farm families do not have to endure that pain. RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender reports.
RFD-TV Agricultural Law & Taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses the Supreme Court’s recent repeal of the Chevron agreement and other current topics in ag law.
With ransomware and other cybersecurity threats on the rise, the U.S. Small Business Association wants to help bolster the resources available to farmers and other rural Americans who operate small businesses.