What a Bee Crisis Means for North Dakota’s Farmers and Consumers

Honeybee Crisis: 2025 Could Be the Worst Year Yet 

North Dakotans know the importance of agriculture—our state leads the nation in honey production, and pollinators like honeybees play a critical role in keeping crops thriving. But experts are warning that 2025 could be the worst year yet for honeybee populations. 

Bee Colonies in Danger: Losses Could Reach 70% 

For the past decade, beekeepers have reported annual colony losses of 40% to 50%, but entomologists fear this year could see losses as high as 70%. Factors like poor nutrition, mite infestations, viral diseases, and pesticide exposure are pushing honeybee populations to a crisis point. 

Why This Matters: More Than Just Honey 

This isn’t just a problem for honey production. More than one-third of our food supply depends on pollination. In North Dakota, that means crops like sunflowers, apples, and canola—staples of our agricultural economy—are at risk. Nationwide, almonds, berries, and other fruits and vegetables could become scarcer and significantly more expensive. 

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North Dakota Agriculture at Risk 

With honeybee populations dwindling, farmers could face lower crop yields, leading to economic strain in rural communities. North Dakota’s beekeepers play a vital role in supporting pollination across the country, making this crisis even more urgent for our state. 

And it’s personal, too. I have toast every day, and a lot of days, I use North Dakota-made honey because ours really is the best. Losing our honeybee population would mean more than just higher prices—it would be a loss of something truly special to our state.

What You Can Do to Help Save the Bees 

Beekeepers and farmers are working to protect pollinators, but they need support. Planting bee-friendly flowers, reducing pesticide use, and supporting local honey producers are small steps that can make a difference. North Dakota’s vast open spaces are a haven for pollinators, but without intervention, 2025 could bring a devastating blow to both bees and the food supply.