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.
Dry conditions have severely impacted key winter wheat states with persistent moisture deficits. As quality declines, analysts warn some crops may be lost despite upcoming rain.
April 24, 2026 11:18 AM
·
Rising ethanol stocks and softer gasoline demand bear watching, but stronger blending activity and exports offered some support.
April 24, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Rising poultry supply is pressuring prices despite steady demand.
April 24, 2026 07:00 AM
·
As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations.
April 24, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Brazil’s ethanol growth could shift the corn trade.
April 23, 2026 05:02 PM
·
Kansas row crop farmer Brad Keeler joins us to discuss drought conditions, planting decisions, input costs, and overall farmer sentiment in his region.
April 23, 2026 04:35 PM
·
