Bees are fundamental to global ecosystems, performing pollination services that enable the reproduction of numerous plants, including many crops consumed by humans. The health and distribution of bee populations across different regions are subjects of considerable interest, highlighting their ecological significance and economic contribution. Understanding where these industrious creatures thrive provides insights into the environmental conditions that support them.
Unveiling the Top Bee State
North Dakota consistently leads the United States in honey production, indicating it harbors the most honey-producing bee colonies. In 2023, the state’s bees generated over 38 million pounds of honey from approximately 500,000 active colonies. This dominance has been maintained for over two decades. In 2024, 490,000 colonies harvested 36.26 million pounds. Other states like California, South Dakota, and Montana also contribute significantly to the nation’s honey supply.
Ecological Drivers of Bee Abundance
North Dakota’s environmental and agricultural characteristics create an environment conducive to large bee populations. Its climate, with warm days and cool nights, is favorable for nectar secretion from abundant flowering plants like clover and alfalfa. These plants provide extensive foraging opportunities, supplying pollen and nectar for bee colony growth and honey production. The state’s vast, open landscapes often feature fewer pesticides, benefiting bee health.
Commercial beekeeping operations frequently engage in migratory beekeeping, moving colonies across state lines to capitalize on seasonal floral blooms and pollination contracts. For instance, many beekeepers transport hives from states like North Dakota to California during winter for almond pollination. After fulfilling these duties, colonies return to states with ample summer forage, like North Dakota, to produce honey. This migratory pattern supports large bee populations by ensuring continuous access to diverse food sources.
Diversity of Bee Species
When discussing bee populations at a state level, statistics frequently refer to managed honey bee colonies. These European honey bees (Apis mellifera) are not native to North America, having been introduced by early European settlers. Beekeepers manage these colonies for honey production and pollination services, making them a primary focus of agricultural surveys.
The United States is home to over 4,000 native bee species, which vary greatly in size, appearance, and nesting habits. Native bees, including bumblebees and mason bees, pollinate wild plants and many agricultural crops. Some native bee species are more efficient pollinators for specific plants than honey bees. While commercial honey bee operations dominate the “most bees” metrics due to their scale and economic impact, the diversity and ecological contributions of native bee species are also important for ecosystem health.
Monitoring Bee Populations
Bee populations are primarily monitored by governmental agencies, particularly the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). These surveys collect data from beekeeping operations, focusing on the number of honey-producing colonies, honey yield, and total honey production. Information on colony losses, additions, and renovations is also gathered, providing insights into the dynamics of managed bee populations. The USDA surveys beekeepers with five or more colonies quarterly, alongside annual surveys of smaller operations.
Monitoring wild native bee populations presents greater challenges due to their diverse habits and widespread distribution. While efforts are underway to develop national monitoring plans for native bees, comprehensive data for these species are less readily available. Scientists often estimate wild bee populations through sampling in specific areas.