WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Pollination expenses moved unevenly across specialty crops in 2025, with almond growers facing sharply higher costs while several fruit sectors saw declining rates, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service data.
In the western production regions, the average almond pollination fee rose 15 percent to $209 per colony, and the total pollination value climbed 5 percent.
Almonds remained the highest-valued pollinated crop there, helping push the total regional pollination value to $364 million, up 3 percent year over year.
In California alone, 2.6 million bee colonies —roughly two colonies per acre — are needed to pollinate the state’s 1.39 million planted acres of almond groves.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Pollination costs remain volatile, raising planning risk for specialty crop producers.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Other regions showed softer markets. Cranberry colony prices dropped 6 percent, and blueberry rates fell 10 percent, while both sectors also recorded lower per-acre costs. Apples showed mixed results — rising 22 percent in one region but declining in another — highlighting the localized supply-and-demand conditions for managed hives.
Some crops strengthened. Watermelon colony prices increased 16 percent even as per-acre rates edged slightly lower, signaling tighter colony availability during bloom.
Overall pollination values declined in several eastern regions but increased in the West, reinforcing how specialty crop profitability increasingly depends on regional pollinator supply and transportation logistics.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
November 21, 2025 01:59 PM
·
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
November 21, 2025 12:01 PM
·
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
November 21, 2025 11:58 AM
·
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
November 20, 2025 05:00 PM
·
November 20, 2025 01:55 PM
A massive rail merger could significantly impact North American agriculture and trade flows.
November 19, 2025 12:46 PM
·
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
November 19, 2025 12:31 PM
·
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.
November 18, 2025 01:24 PM
·
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
November 18, 2025 01:13 PM
·
