MISSOURI – The Missouri State Beekeepers Association (MSBA), representing over 750 beekeepers across Missouri, expresses deep concern regarding the alarming results of a recent nationwide survey revealing catastrophic honey bee colony losses.
The survey, conducted by a multi-organizational working group including Project Apis m., the American Beekeeping Federation, and the American Honey Producers Association, indicates an average loss of 62 percent among commercial beekeeping operations between June 2024 and February 2025.
These unprecedented losses, which significantly surpass historical trends, pose a serious threat to U.S. agriculture, particularly impacting crop pollination for essential food sources such as almonds, fruits, and vegetables.
“The MSBA is deeply troubled by these findings,” said Ray Shadow, President MSBA. “Honey bees are vital to our ecosystem and agricultural economy. These losses will have far-reaching consequences for Missouri’s farmers and consumers. We urge swift action to address the factors contributing to this crisis.”
The survey, administered by Project Apis m., gathered data from 702 beekeepers, representing an estimated 1.835 million colonies, approximately 68% of the nation’s bees. Key findings include:
- Commercial beekeepers (more than 500 colonies) experienced an average loss of 62 percent.
- Sideliner operations (50-500 colonies) reported an average loss of 54 percent.
- Hobbyist beekeepers (1-49 colonies) lost an average of 50 percent of their colonies.
- The total estimated colony loss among respondents is 1,123,959.
- Direct colony losses are conservatively estimated at $224.8 million.
- The total estimated economic loss, including lost almond pollination income, exceeds $634.7 million.
“These staggering losses are unsustainable,” said President Shadow. “The economic impact is devastating, and the implications for our food security are profound. We need to work together to find solutions and protect these critical pollinators.”
The MSBA encourages Missouri beekeepers and the public to stay informed about bee health and support efforts to protect pollinators.