Number of beekeepers in the U.S.

[BjornBee]

Anybody have a number of how many beekeepers there are in the U.S.?

Not a number of those with over  5hives or some stat like that. But all beekeepers. I know there is no way of a hard number, but anyone have a good answer?

Thank you.

[Michael Bush]

I was wondering the same thing.  I only know that Eva Crane back in about 1975 said there are 6 1/2 million beekeepers in the world...

[Tommyt]

http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/Hone/Hone-02-25-2011_new_format.pdf
My apologies on this link I was running out, and found this in an old post from different page asking the same
question,I read the piece below I figured this was it :? I should have waited and read further before I posted
It may be a good read but it does not account for keepers only crop
Tommyt

Honey production in 2010 from producers with five or more colonies totaled 176 million pounds, up 20 percent from 2009. There were 2.68 million colonies producing honey in 2010, up 7 percent from 2009

[SEEYA]

Holy Honey,  :roll:, check out Tommyt link, (just a little off topic) N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Montana and Minnesota; what makes them the Honey Belt?  It's not the balmy winter weather!   :tumbleweed:

[hardwood]

Clover!

Scott

[Scadsobees]

N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Montana and Minnesota; what makes them the Honey Belt?  It's not the balmy winter weather!   :tumbleweed:

When you only have 2 months to grow, you need to grow fast, grow large, and reproduce quickly!! :-D

[L Daxon]

I am not sure there is any way to know how many "beekeepers" there are in the U.S., beyond a wild estimate.  Too many hobbyist in the mix that are hard to count.  You could look at how many keepers belong to the various state and local clubs/organizations and then try to factor in  how many keepers actually belong to a beekeeping organization to come up with some kind of estimate.

I have heard there are 1,400 beekeepers in Oklahoma.  That is the only figure I have read.

 

[BeeMaster2]

Since it is required to register your bees in most states, they should at least know how many reqistered bee keepers there are.
Jim

[caticind]

Since it is required to register your bees in most states, they should at least know how many reqistered bee keepers there are.
Jim

I don't know...NC is supposed to have the most hobbyists in the nation, and has ZERO registration requirements unless you sell bees.

Aggregating registered keepers would give a more accurate low-end estimate, though.

[Jim134]

Since it is required to register your bees in most states, they should at least know how many reqistered bee keepers there are.
Jim

Not in Massachusetts and the state stop funding bee inspectors as of 7/1/11 no money


  BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[Shanevrr]

theres around 5000 in VA

[BjornBee]

Since it is required to register your bees in most states, they should at least know how many reqistered bee keepers there are.
Jim

Not in Massachusetts and the state stop funding bee inspectors as of 7/1/11 no money


  BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

I could only hope for as much in Pennsylvania!  :-D

[Michael Bush]

I think about half the states have dropped registration and inspections.  I know Nebraska has and have heard of a lot of other states.

[BjornBee]

Some townships here have started charging registration fees to include justification of inspections to make sure local zoning ordinances are being followed. The state has no authority to stop this double registration fee. And I see no reason for the state to continue any inspection program and charge fees for useless inspections. They were justified years ago for the sole purpose of AFB control. But I see no or little difference in the AFB rates between states with, and states without, inspection programs. AFB is hyped beyond reality.

But it is funny how most feel government (on all levels - Federal, state, local) is to big. But when it involves them, people (beekeepers) harp about the need for continued funding for such matters. Of course each group wants other groups cut, but never the group they are in themselves. I can honestly say that I would not miss a beat, nor would I expect anyone else, if the program went away altogether.

The ability of a beekeeper to learn (via forums, on-line classes, etc.), be mentored (lots more assistance in most clubs), has changed over the years. Most clubs have the resources to provide any assistance with AFB or other concerns. And with the inspection service in Pa. now trimmed down to little more than a part-time or seasonal positions, and inspectors with 20-30 years knowledge having been forced out, the benefits are few.

Just my 2 cents.

[T Beek]

I don't know if Wisconsin ever required registration.  I think the number of beeks in US would only be an estimate anyway.  Lots of beeks are private and seek to remain that way.  I've gotten to know a few recently who have never sold their honey, and never advertise their bees in any way at all.  That's fine with me.

thomas

[kingbee]

Holy Honey, ...what makes them the Honey Belt?  It's not the balmy winter weather!...

It could be the open spaces, prairie wild flowers, alfalfa, clover, canola, but I suspect the longer hours of daylight during summer (as compared to southern locations have the most to do with it.

[Acebird]

I counted twelve.  Everyone else is a beehaver like myself and not part of the quota. :-D