Last week, the results of the yearly survey of beekeepers showed fewer colony losses occurring in the U.S. during the winter of 2013-14 than in recent years. The concerning part of the report however is that the pollinator losses remain higher than the level to maintain economic stability. Bruce, South Dakota beekeeper and honey producer Richard Adee says he’s concerned by the results but says the survey was conducted properly and revealed valuable information.
Adee says healthy pollinator populations are critical to the continued economic well being of all agriculture producers.
Overall, losses of managed honey bee colonies from all causes were 23.2 percent across the nation, which is above the 18.9 percent level beekeepers say is acceptable for economic sustainability.