Growers are turning to blue orchard bees, instead of honeybees, for pollination

Pollination is everything when trying to grow crops, and it is why tree nut growers are getting picky about the bees touching their crops.

They are using Blue Orchard Bees, which are like honeybees but do not use a queen or worker bees. Orchard farmers tend to prefer them because man-made nests can be placed throughout the rows.

One grower says that while they are beneficial, they are not for everyone.

“It takes the right grower. It takes, you know, a progressive grower. The challenge for the grower as we see it right now is that it’s hard for them to attribute the bump in yield to the bee, you know, if you’re talking about a 10% bump in yiled, what you have to do is either believe the research or you don’t, is really what it comes down to,” said Jim Watts.

Related Stories
The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that had been approved by the House the previous week. They could take it up again today, but it would take seven democrats to end the stalemate.
The USDA is working with 14 different states, including Georgia, to develop and implement block grants to address the unique disaster recovery needs for each state.
The USDA’s August Cold Storage report shows shifting stock levels across major dairy, meat, and poultry products.
The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Harvest Pace, Logistics, and Input Costs Drive Fall Decisions
The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs Report caught some analysts off guard. Inventories came in lower than expected, signaling tighter supplies ahead, even as producers return to profitability this year.
Over the past decade, Tractor Supply has expanded its support through sponsorships and youth programs, all part of its broader mission to invest in the future of agriculture.
Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.
Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.