Precision Pollination: Researchers have developed “BeeHero,” a new technology platform for beekeepers

Pollinators, like bees, are vital to the industry, but they are hard to manage. It is why developers built “BeeHero,” a data-driven precision pollination system.

Founder Itai Kenot talks about what a difference their technology platform can make for bees and farmers.

” With our technology, we’re able to monitor each and every single hive we work with, understand exactly how many frames of bees are in there, understand how good of an output quality a hive can actually produce. And do some matchmaking between specific hives and specific acres. We don’t sell hives per acre. We sell frames of bees per acre. It’s a much more accurate way to measure the pollination service that you’re sourcing and that you’re ordering for your orchard. So we work with our growers to define how many frames they actually need, and then we work with our beekeepers, our suppliers, on getting the best hives possible for that job. Our goal and the way that we incentivize our beekeepers as well is to use the best hives at our disposal.”

Colony losses have been an issue this year. One beekeeper tells us that 40 percent of the nation’s polliating bees did not survive the winter, leaving keepers scrambling to meet demand. They warn it will likely take years to rebuild what has been lost.

Related Stories
The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
The USDA noted that peanut edible utilization season-to-date is down 3% on the year, despite overall stocks increasing.
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Chris McGovern from Connected Nation joined us Tuesday to break down the findings and discuss their implications for rural America.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign a bill passed by the California state legislature allowing E15 sales.
The Final Grain Stocks Report may be the last key figures we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.
USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.
The campaign is about more than just a digital push; NPB leaders hope it will become a rallying point for the entire industry.