California’s almond bloom requires truckloads of bees to help pollinate around 1 million acres of trees. However, when keepers went to prepare the shipments, they got a devastating surprise.
“So as the beekeepers are starting to look, they open up the colonies, and this year they found a lot lower survival than they expected. In addition to that, the colonies that were surviving were small and dwindling, and it was not at all what they predicted,” said Danielle Downey.
Downey runs a group called Project Apis M, or “PAM.” She says they immediately began to investigate what went wrong.
“They called scientists, and right now they’re looking for viruses. They’ve sent the wax and pollen off for pesticide analysis. So all of that’s underway. And PAm’s role was to gather information from the industry from beekeepers.”
Commercial bee colonies lost around 60 percent of their populations between last June and this month. Officials say that number is well above historical averages and they still do not know what caused the kill off.
Farm Legal expert Roger McEowen discusses new dicamba regulations, compliance requirements for growers, and the evolving outlook for herbicide use.
March 17, 2026 01:52 PM
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Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue shares the latest on the wildfires, their impact on agriculture, and the challenges farmers are facing as they navigate both natural disasters and economic uncertainty.
March 17, 2026 11:57 AM
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The action follows the March 13 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which upheld a district court decision denying a preliminary injunction that sought to halt the exchange.
Renowned farm broadcaster and friend of RFD-TV, Orion Samuelson, will undoubtedly be remembered for many things, but most of all, his work as a champion of America’s farmers and ranchers will define his legacy.
March 17, 2026 08:12 AM
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Spring Fieldwork Expands Amid Mixed Weather Nationwide
March 16, 2026 05:20 PM
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TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
March 16, 2026 04:46 PM
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