Bee crisis deepens in U.S.; Texas ranks 9th in bee losses

DALLAS (KDAF) — A new study by BestMadHoney reveals that bee populations are rapidly declining across the United States, with Texas experiencing some severe losses.

The analysis, based on data from the Apiary Inspectors of America, highlights that Texas has lost an alarming 61% of its bee colonies, ranking 9th in the top ten states with the highest bee colony losses. From citrus groves to cotton fields, much of the state’s agriculture depends on pollinators. With so little land left for wildlife, however, bees are under mounting strain, and the ripple effects on farmers are becoming harder to ignore.

“People often forget just how much of our food depends on bees,” said Sanjay Kalfe, CEO and Founder of BestMadHoney. “It’s not just fruit and vegetables – dairy and meat are tied to pollination too, because bees help grow the crops that feed livestock.”

The states with the highest bee colony loss rates: 

Rank	State	Bee colony loss rate
1	Wisconsin	91%
2	Nevada	86%
=3	Nebraska	82%
=3	Iowa	82%
4	Utah	71%
5	Connecticut	67%
6	Oregon	66%
7	Minnesota	64%
8	Vermont	62%
9	Texas	61%
10	South Dakota	59%

In Wisconsin, bees are disappearing at an astonishing rate: more than nine out of ten colonies (91%) are gone, almost twice the national average. For a state that depends on crops that can’t grow without pollinators, the loss is heartbreaking.

Nevada follows Wisconsin with 86% of its bee colonies gone, exacerbated by harsh desert conditions and limited natural forage. Despite recognition from the American Beekeeping Federation, the losses continue to rise.

In the Midwest, Nebraska and Iowa have each lost more than 80% of their colonies. These states, heavily reliant on corn and soybeans, face an uncertain future for their harvests without pollinators.

Utah has seen a 71% loss in bee colonies, with its diverse climates posing challenges for bee survival despite community awareness efforts.

Connecticut reports a 67% decline, the highest in the East, where urbanization and pesticide use may be undermining local conservation efforts.

The widespread decline in bee populations across the U.S. signals a critical warning for the nation’s food systems, as bees play an essential role in pollinating crops that are vital to both agriculture and livestock production.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by CW33. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by CW33 staff before being published.