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.
K-State researchers advise producers to take action, highlighting that prevention is essential for controlling tick populations as cases spread West.
April 27, 2026 02:48 PM
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Shaun Haney joined us to discuss rising concerns over farmland ownership in Canada, actions being considered by provinces and farm groups, and the potential impacts of tighter regulations.
April 27, 2026 01:21 PM
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Florida’s import rule shows New World screwworm concerns are already affecting livestock movement and market conditions.
April 27, 2026 12:31 PM
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Rep. Adrian Smith joins us to discuss the push for nationwide year-round E15 sales and legislative hurdles for getting it into the farm bill.
April 27, 2026 12:16 PM
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Lower slaughter numbers reduced 2025 red meat output even with heavier cattle and hogs.
April 27, 2026 07:00 AM
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The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect pesticide warning claims well beyond Roundup. Richard Gupton with the Ag Retailers Association joins us to explain the importance of federal pesticide labeling standards and discuss the potential impact on the ag industry and supply chain.
April 25, 2026 07:00 PM
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