Beekeepers in Texas are facing significant losses as bee colony deaths reach alarming levels, threatening both the agricultural industry and the cost of produce.
Beekeepers Facing Major Challenges
The Wheeler family, who run Frio Country Farms southwest of San Antonio, typically produce around 3,000 bee colonies each year. Many of these bees are used to pollinate crops like watermelons and pumpkins. However, recent years have seen an increase in colony losses, and last year’s decline was especially severe.
“It’s not uncommon to lose half of our bees each year, but this past year was worse than usual,” said co-owner Ryan Wheeler. “We don’t know exactly why, but the numbers are definitely concerning.”
The Wheelers are now considering shifting their focus from pollination services to honey production in an effort to improve the health and sustainability of their bee colonies.
Unprecedented Colony Losses
The Wheeler family is not alone in facing heavy losses. A recent survey conducted by Project Apis m., a honey bee research nonprofit, revealed that commercial beekeepers in Texas have lost an average of two-thirds of their bee colonies since June. Nationwide, losses have reached 62%, with no clear explanation.
The financial impact on the beekeeping industry is substantial, with estimated losses reaching $635 million. Experts fear that the decline in bee populations could disrupt the production of essential crops like almonds, berries, pumpkins, and watermelons, ultimately affecting both availability and prices for consumers.
Impact on Texas Agriculture
Texas is among the top states for beekeeping, with the industry experiencing growth in recent years due to favorable climate conditions and tax incentives. However, the recent surge in colony collapses is putting beekeepers at risk of financial instability.
Some of the state’s largest honey bee operations have been struggling to supply enough bees for crop pollination, particularly for almond growers in California, who rely entirely on bees for pollination. For many Texas beekeepers, sending bees to California represents a significant portion of their early-year income.
Tim Hollmann, a beekeeper with over 40 years of experience, has seen severe losses in his business. While he brought about 6,750 bee colonies to Texas last fall, he was only able to send 1,800 to California for almond pollination this year. He estimates that over 70% of his colonies died—a number well above the national average.
Possible Causes and Future Risks
Researchers are still investigating the root cause of the increased bee losses. Experts point to multiple possible factors, including:
- Parasites, such as the Varroa mite, which can spread harmful viruses
- Pathogens and diseases affecting bee populations
- Pesticide exposure weakening colonies
- Poor nutrition due to habitat loss
- Weak queen bees, which impact colony stability
Texas A&M University is currently working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop bee strains that are resistant to Varroa mites. However, experts warn that if current loss rates continue, the impact on agriculture could be devastating.
“If 70% losses become the new normal, it will directly impact pollination, honey production, and the ability to sustain beekeeping businesses,” said Texas A&M entomology professor Juliana Rangel.
Long-Term Implications for the Industry
Many experienced beekeepers fear that continued losses will discourage younger generations from entering the industry, putting the future of beekeeping at risk.
“I’m not sure we’ll get enough young people to carry this industry forward,” said Hollmann. “That’s what worries me the most.”
With beekeepers struggling to maintain their colonies, consumers may soon feel the impact at grocery stores, with potential price increases for fruits and vegetables that depend on pollination.
Texas beekeepers and agricultural experts continue to search for solutions to prevent further colony collapses and protect the future of the industry.
