CATCH THE BUZZ

U.S. 2008 Honey Production Figures Released. Bee Culture's November Prediction Right On Again.

U.S. honey production figures for 2008 were released this afternoon. USDA estimates that in 2008, 2.301 million colonies produced a total of 160.9 million pounds of honey. Up from the 2.44 million colonies and 148.4 million pounds recorded last year. Fewer colonies, more honey. This year’s average yield was 69.9 pounds per colony.

Prices for 2008 were up also, averaging about $1.40/lb over all crops, compared to $1.07 last year.

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Bee Culture magazine predicted in November 2008 that the U.S. crop would be 155.6 million pounds with a colony count of 2.56 million colonies, and a colony average of 155.6 million pounds – a 3% difference.

A full breakdown of highest producing states and honey prices for the past dozen years will be analyzed in the April issue of Bee Culture magazine. For the raw data, supplied for each state, visit http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/Hone/Hone-02-27-2009.pdf

This message sponsored by Bee Culture, The Magazine of American Beekeeping www.beecultue.com