Bee Health Survey Find Eight Percent less Honey Bee Colonies in 2016

A recently released study by USDA shows the number of honey bee colonies dropped eight percent to start 2016, compared to 2015. The first ever Honey Bee Colony Loss Survey questioned more than 20,000 honey beekeepers about the number of colonies, colonies lost, colonies added, and colonies affected by stressors. USDA says the results will provide a baseline about honey bee losses and can help guide honey bee management decisions in the United States. NASS created the survey questions with input from beekeepers and researchers. USDA says the results will allow the Agency and other federal departments to create a more unified approach to implementing the National Strategy on bee health, which was unveiled in May of last year.