How Many People Start Beekeeping Each Year?

Beekeeping and apiculture have seen significant growth worldwide in recent years, with the U. S. adding almost a million honeybee colonies in the last five years, pushing the bee population to an all-time high. However, skeptics of data from the new Census of Agriculture argue that many beekeepers lose many colonies every winter. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates the number of bee colonies worldwide to be around 101. 6 million in 2021, compared to 47 in 1990. There are an estimated 115, 000-125, 000 beekeepers in the United States, with the majority being hobbyists with less than 25 hives.

Nearly a million bee colonies have been formed in the past five years, according to 2022 Census of Agriculture data from the USDA. The average number of colonies in the most recent decade was 2. 7 million, nearly 8% more than in the prior 10 years. This year, 3, 006 beekeepers from across the United States provided valid survey responses, managing 314, 360 colonies on 1 October 2022. Colony numbers recovered to 126, 000 colonies in 2013 and further increased to 272, 631 in 2021.

In 2020, there were approximately 19 million beehives in the EU, handled by 615, 000 beekeepers. Beekeepers across the United States lost 45. 5 of their managed honey bee colonies from April 2020 to April 2021, according to preliminary data. To keep bees happy, beekeepers need to start new colonies by buying a package of bees consisting of a queen and 3 pounds of worker bees.

Are Honey Bees Declining?

US bee populations are experiencing significant declines due to a combination of factors, including parasites like varroa mites, pesticides, habitat loss, and diseases. These declines have profound implications for food production and ecosystem health, as approximately one-third of the food consumed relies on plants pollinated by bees. In spring 2022 alone, over 40% of all bee colonies were affected by varroa mites, highlighting the severity of parasitic threats.

Despite these challenges, some data indicate that managed honey bee colonies in the US have shown resilience. Between January 2015 and June 2022, the country lost 11. 4 million honey bee colonies but also added 11. 1 million, suggesting a near balance. Moreover, in the past five years, more than one million bee colonies have been added, bringing the total to nearly four million. This improvement contrasts with higher loss rates seen in previous decades, such as the 1980s. However, these figures primarily reflect managed honey bee populations, while native bee species continue to decline both in the US and globally.

The public perception often views honey bee populations as deteriorating, but data on managed colonies presents a more nuanced picture. Globally, billions of honey bees are thriving due to active management and care by beekeepers. Nevertheless, the overall health and abundance of various bee species are decreasing, raising concerns about pollinator health and biodiversity. A recent assembly of leading bee biologists failed to reach a consensus on the exact causes of these declines, though most agree that multiple factors are involved. The USDA and experts emphasize that addressing this issue will require substantial investment and coordinated efforts.

Beekeepers face ongoing challenges despite some positive trends in managed colonies. The decline in honey production per colony, habitat degradation, and the proliferation of pests and diseases continue to threaten both agricultural productivity and natural ecosystems. Consequently, a national campaign to "save the bees" has gained momentum, advocating for measures to protect and restore bee populations. Ensuring the stability of bee colonies is essential for maintaining the intricate balance of ecosystems and the sustainability of food systems reliant on pollination.

What Is The Best State For Beekeeping?

California is widely recognized as the premier state for beekeeping in the United States. The state excels in various areas, including honey production rates, availability of apiculture classes, and strong environmental policies that protect bees. While it experiences the highest annual colony loss, California also has the most new and renovated colonies, demonstrating robust beekeeping activity. According to Lawn Love's rankings released on World Bee Day, May 20, California ranks first among the top states for beekeeping, followed by New York and North Dakota. The rankings were based on four critical categories: profitability, colony health, and environmental support.

The top five states for beekeeping in 2023, according to Lawn Love, are California, New York, North Dakota, Texas, and Ohio. However, states like Florida and Illinois also exhibit favorable conditions for beekeeping, with Illinois ranking 10th overall. Despite some discussions surrounding North Dakota's suitability for commercial honey production, California remains the leader, particularly when considering the variety of native bee species it hosts—approximately 1, 600.

In summary, California secures its position at the top of the beekeeping landscape, combining a favorable climate, a strong economic framework, and a commitment to colony health and environmental sustainability. Although there are other states with notable merits in beekeeping, California's comprehensive advantages make it the overall best choice for aspiring and established beekeepers alike.

What Is The Job Outlook For Beekeepers?

In 2023, employment in the US Beekeeping industry has seen a significant increase of 6. 2% over five years, from 2018 to 2023. Beekeepers, or apiary workers, often work for larger honey-producing companies, but many are self-employed or part of small private apiaries. The job outlook for these positions remains fair, with various opportunities available for both part-time and full-time roles. Responsibilities include maintaining hive health, monitoring bee activities, and collecting honey and wax, as well as providing appropriate environments for bee populations. Beekeeping is vital for pollination, especially in areas lacking wild pollinators.

The industry faces a potential labor shortage from 2022 to 2031, especially in regions like Alberta due to high demand for pollination services. While most commercial beekeepers operate around 1, 000 hives, income ranges widely, averaging about $70, 000, with some earning up to $150, 000 or more. Future job demand for beekeepers is expected to remain stable, showing little change from 2020 to 2030.

Beekeeping offers career growth potential as beekeepers expand their hive numbers and commercial sales. The current employment landscape reflects a balanced demand and supply, with prospects for apiary technicians and workers being relatively aligned over the next decade.

Is There A Demand For Beekeepers?

As native bee populations decline globally, reliance on commercial pollination services is increasing for crop production. In the United States, the demand for beekeeping services is high, with beekeepers transporting bee colonies across the country to meet growers' needs. Although treatments for mites are available in spring, options for winter treatment are limited, and mites can develop resistance. Beekeepers adapt to demand by splitting hives and providing new queens, supported by a niche queen production industry.

In Canada, beekeeping plays a vital role in agriculture, producing honey and hive products while offering essential pollination services for various fruits and vegetables. Despite facing challenges like overwintering losses and diseases, beekeepers remain hopeful, with many believing improved management practices and favorable weather could aid recovery. However, there is a noticeable shortage of honeybees, leading to high demand and prices for pollination services this season.

According to a 30-year data analysis, the current bee population isn't sufficient to meet global pollination needs. Beekeeping, like many industries, experiences fluctuations in demand influenced by the agricultural sector. The California almond industry is a major demand driver for pollination services. While the number of beekeeping businesses in the U. S. is increasing, job demand for beekeepers is projected to remain stagnant. Beekeepers facing adverse conditions—such as those in northwestern Syria—continue to work tirelessly to produce honey. With the industry's consistent growth, it's evident that beekeepers play a crucial role despite the physical demands of their labor.

Is The Beekeeping Industry Growing?

The Beekeeping industry in the United States encompasses 17, 036 businesses and has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7. 1% from 2019 to 2024. This growth is driven by increasing demand for beekeeping products, attributed to health-conscious trends and governmental support. Apiculture plays a vital role in various sectors, particularly in food. The industry is leveraging modern technologies, such as mobile apiary management, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation to enhance apiculture and protect bee populations.

Globally, the beekeeping market is projected to reach USD 7. 86 billion by 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4. 50% to achieve USD 11. 18 billion by 2032. As of 2023, the global apiculture market size was estimated at USD 8. 95 billion, with expectations of a 4. 0% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Key regions like North America and Europe are witnessing steady growth, supported by government initiatives, with projections indicating a market value of USD 14. 60 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3. 15% between 2024 and 2032.

Despite previous declines in the US market, the global beekeeping landscape saw significant growth, with valuations around USD 10 billion in 2022 and a projected CAGR of 5. 2% by 2030. Various estimates place the 2023 apiculture market size at USD 11. 15 billion, with growth expected to USD 18. 59 billion by 2032, showing a CAGR of 5. 90%. Overall, the beekeeping sector continues to flourish due to heightened demand for honey, beeswax, and related products, along with an increasing number of beehives, particularly in the EU.

How Many Beekeepers Manage A Colony?

This year, 3, 347 beekeepers managing 192, 384 colonies participated in the survey, representing about 7% of approximately 2. 71 million managed colonies nationwide. The survey aims to understand ongoing high loss rates among beekeepers, offering insights into colony management, population dynamics, and the social structure of colonies. Despite most US beekeepers being backyard enthusiasts with fewer than 50 colonies, a significant portion of colonies is maintained by a small number of commercial beekeepers managing 500 or more.

During the active spring and summer months, beekeepers may encounter various flying insects, which are generally harmless. The honey bee colony consists of workers, drones, and a queen, with several thousand worker bees performing essential tasks. Brood rearing peaks in spring, leading to increased swarming activities. Around 600, 000 beekeepers in Europe manage 16 million colonies, contributing to significant honey production.

Local regulations may restrict the number of beehives a beekeeper can maintain, emphasizing the importance of compliance to avoid legal issues. Beekeepers are advised to maintain a minimum of two colonies to facilitate resource sharing. Regular inspections ensure adherence to contractual obligations and assess colony strength, with 8 to 10 frames deemed optimal.

Overall, effective honey bee colony management is crucial for tackling various stressors affecting colonies. A recent survey indicated that 1, 652 beekeepers managed 337, 134 colonies, underscoring the continuing interest in maintaining healthy bee populations across the country.

What Is The Average Age For A Beekeeper?

The survey results indicate that the average age of farmers is 56 years, with 42% holding a high school diploma, and honey being the most produced product. Only 27 participants were vaccinated against Covid-19, with an infection rate of 16%. Income-oriented beekeepers have 13. 07 years of average experience, while backyard beekeepers average 5. 91 years. Generally, beekeeping attracts a diverse age group, with the mean age of practitioners being about 52 years.

The age of beekeepers, interestingly, averages around 60 years, revealing an influx of younger individuals (in their 30s-40s) entering the field in recent years. Despite the predominance of older, male beekeepers, there are concerns regarding youth participation; some notable individuals started beekeeping as children. The study identifies the average age of examined beekeeping enterprises at 41. 02 years. The average commercial beekeeper currently is over 60, raising questions about the lower engagement levels from younger generations.

Notably, a recent Census shows a broader median age of beekeepers at 49 years. While younger families are becoming involved, the demographic challenge persists as the future growth of the beekeeping community relies on more youth participation. The gender distribution indicates 21% of beekeepers are female, with a medium skill level rating observed among them. The statistics captured here underline the evolving landscape of beekeeping, revealing both challenges and opportunities for attracting younger individuals to the profession.

Is There Ethical Beekeeping?

Ethical beekeeping is centered around natural approaches, sustainable harvesting, and effective disease management. Unlike industrial beekeeping, which employs aggressive practices detrimental to bee health, ethical beekeeping prioritizes the well-being of bee colonies. This practice preserves their natural behaviors and environment, focusing not merely on maximizing honey production but on nurturing bees.

Discovering how to engage in ethical beekeeping involves sustainable hive management, natural care for bees, and ecosystem preservation. By respecting bees' natural instincts and behaviors, ethical beekeepers ensure the overall health of bee populations.

The difference between ethical and industrial beekeeping lies in this commitment to ecological balance and the health of bee colonies. Ethical beekeepers ask essential questions about their practices, such as the morality of introducing pathogens and the potential impacts on bee welfare. Key principles of ethical beekeeping include allowing bees to construct natural comb, harvesting only surplus honey, and implementing organic disease treatments that avoid harmful chemicals.

Each beekeeper must evaluate their ethical stance within the industry and discern what constitutes responsible beekeeping practices. At its core, ethical beekeeping emphasizes fostering a healthy relationship with bees, ensuring their welfare, and reflecting a commitment to sustainability that parallels other ethical agricultural practices. Thus, ethical beekeeping is distinguished not just by honey production but by a holistic, respectful approach to apiculture.

How Many Beekeepers Are There In The US?

In the United States, there are approximately 212, 000 beekeepers, with 200, 000 classified as hobbyists and 10, 000 as "sideliners" or part-time operators. The estimated number of active beekeepers ranges from 115, 000 to 125, 000, primarily hobbyists managing fewer than 25 hives each. Collectively, they oversee around 314, 360 colonies, which represents a fraction of the nation's 2. 70 million managed honey-producing colonies. Annually, the U.

S. produces about 163 million pounds (74 million kg) of honey, with figures from previous years indicating similar production levels. As of 2021, around 125, 000 beekeepers were reported, contributing to 2. 71 million colonies in 2020 that generated 1. 48 million pounds of honey. The beekeeping industry has seen growth, with 17, 036 businesses operating in the field as of 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7. 1% from 2019 to 2024. Notably, American honeybee populations reportedly reached an all-time high in recent surveys.

Despite the absence of a precise count, it is recognized that the majority of beekeepers are enthusiasts rather than commercial operators. Data from the latest Census of Agriculture indicates a persistent increase in beekeeping participants and hive counts in the U. S., even as honey production levels experience slight fluctuations from year to year. The beekeeping industry has historical roots dating back to the 1860s, further emphasizing its long-standing significance and continued expansion.