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.
January 03, 2025 11:25 AM
January 03, 2025 11:11 AM
The California Farm Bureau introduces us to Aussie, its 2024 Farm Dog of the Year! Aussie’s proved nothing—not even the loss of a limb—can stop her from protecting her farm and family.
December 13, 2024 01:32 PM
·
RanchHER Jessie Jarvis is a third-generation Idaho cattle rancher and an esteemed figure in the ag industry and Western world. She seamlessly balances her roles as a business owner, influencer, podcast host, public speaker, rancher, wife and mother.
December 03, 2024 11:44 AM
·
Janie spends a day-in-the-life with “Of the West” founder & influencer Jessie Jarvis, for a bit of work along the historic Oregon Trail.
November 25, 2024 02:54 PM
·
A North Carolina Christmas tree farmer sees a lifelong dream come true.
November 21, 2024 02:10 PM
Janie ventures to the desert in Prescott, Arizona for cattle branding at the 7UP ranch with Penny Kasun & Dani Jeanne Lawrence.
November 20, 2024 11:29 AM
·
Janie camps out on the historic YP Ranch with the operation’s matriarch, RanchHER Renee Jackson, her family, and a talented crew of cowboys as they wrap up part of branding season on their remote and expansive operation located on the state line of Nevada and Idaho.
November 18, 2024 05:28 PM
·
Janie camps out at the remote State Line of Nevada & Idaho with Renee Jackson, wrapping up branding season at the historic YP ranch.
November 13, 2024 11:20 AM
·
