Crop Pollination

Pollination is one of the most important factors in crop production. Many types of commonly grown crops require pollination in order to bear satisfactory marketable production. In most areas there are not enough feral honeybee colonies to provide adequate pollination. The feral bees that are available are often some distance from the farm field. In inclement weather they only fly short distances and therefore would not reach the crops.

Farms wanting maximum pollination require honeybee colonies from apiarists to help guarantee adequate bee populations in their fields. A strong colony will have at least 6-8 combs of brood and an appropriate amount of adult worker bees to tend to the brood and forage. Ideal placement in a field is to position colonies in small groups evenly thoughout the area with a nearby water source.

In 2019 we have sold most of our hives and only maintaining a handful as hobbyist. We have a houseful of teenagers now and using the extra time to invest in their activities

Pollination Facts

• A single honey bee will visit 50-100 flowers on a single trip out of the hive
• To make one pound of honey, the bees in the colony must visit 2 million flowers, fly over 55,000 miles and will be the lifetime work of approximately 300 bees
• Honeybees are responsible for pollinating approx 80% of all fruit, vegetable and seed crops in the U.S
• Out of 20,000 species of bees, only 4 make honey