Annual estimates of colony losses published in U.S. beekeeping survey

On June 24, 2026, the U.S. Beekeeping Survey published its annual estimates of honey bee colony losses from April 2025 to April 2026. Conducted by Auburn University, Oregon State University, and the Apiary Inspectors of America, the survey indicated a loss of 39.9%. This year's figures show a decrease from the previous two years, which recorded losses of 55.1% and 55.6%, marking a return to more typical levels seen over the past decade. However, beekeepers still face significant challenges. “While it’s encouraging to see colony loss rates come down from last year’s historic highs, losing nearly 40% of managed colonies in a single year is not a victory — it’s a crisis in slow motion,” stated Steven Coy, President of the American Honey Producers Association.