URBANA, Ill. (RFD NEWS) — Honey bee colony numbers may look stable, but University of Illinois farmdoc economists say beekeepers are spending heavily just to maintain inventories, with many U.S. beekeepers replacing and renovating colonies fast enough to offset large annual losses.
Since 2008, beekeepers have reported losing about 41 percent of colonies per year on average. Even so, U.S. colony numbers rebounded from 2.34 million in 2008 to about 2.6 million in recent years.
That stability comes at a cost. Beekeepers buy feed, pest treatments, and replacement colonies while also splitting and renovating existing hives. Varroa mites remain the leading reported stressor, affecting nearly half of colonies during April through June.
Those costs matter beyond honey production. Many specialty crops, including almonds, apples, and sunflowers, depend on managed pollination services. Higher colony losses can raise pressure on pollination availability and pricing.
The farmdoc authors estimate 2024 colony stock losses at roughly $175 million, with rebuilding and renovation costs near $161 million.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Stable bee numbers do not equate to low risk, as beekeepers are spending more to maintain pollination capacity.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
READ MORE: https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
February 26, 2026 02:57 PM
·
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
February 26, 2026 12:11 PM
·
Higher energy costs ripple through local farm supply chains.
February 26, 2026 08:00 AM
·
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
February 25, 2026 11:46 AM
·
Rail consolidation could affect grain basis, freight rates, and service reliability across major producing regions.
February 25, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
·
