USDA’s annual Colony Loss Survey shows a total year loss of 42-percent of the nation’s honeybee colonies. Managed honey bee colony losses were 23 percent and for the first time summer losses exceeded winter losses at 27 percent. South Dakota beekeeper and honey producer Richard Adee says that translates into devastating losses for the honeybee industry.

Two thirds of the 6,100 beekeepers that responded to the survey reported losses greater than the 18.7 percent level that beekeepers report is economically acceptable. Adee says there have been more summer losses due to increased use of pesticides.

The survey co-author Jeff Pettis says researchers need to find better answers to the host of stresses that are leading to the colony losses.