For much of the previous century, beekeeping was mainly practiced for honey production. Pollination was viewed as an added advantage rather than the primary purpose of keeping bees. However, as the demand for crop pollination increased and natural pollinators became less abundant, commercial pollination through honeybee colony rentals became increasingly popular. Today, thousands of honeybee colonies are rented by farmers growing a wide range of crops that depend on pollination. This practice has become widespread not only in the United States but also across many parts of the world.
Honeybee colonies managed specifically for commercial pollination are handled differently from traditional honey-producing colonies. The main objective is not the production of honey or beeswax but the successful development of fruits and seeds. Any honey or wax harvested is considered an additional benefit for the beekeeper. Although some farmers may prefer to maintain their own colonies, managing large numbers of healthy and productive hives throughout the year is a demanding task. For this reason, many growers rely on professional beekeepers who have the expertise and resources needed to keep colonies strong and ready for pollination services.
Requirements when Beekeeping for Pollination
1. Beehives
Beehives are an essential part of commercial pollination, but not every type of hive is suitable for this purpose. Standardized, uniform hives that are well maintained are preferred because they make transportation, stacking, loading, and unloading much easier. Each hive component should follow a consistent design so that the colonies can be moved and arranged efficiently without complications.
2. Vehicles
Pollination beekeeping requires frequent transportation of colonies between different crop fields, making dependable vehicles a necessity. Trucks and trailers are commonly used because they can carry multiple hives at once. These vehicles should have strong, flat surfaces and secure attachment points where ropes or straps can be fastened to prevent the hives from shifting during transport.
Equipment such as forklifts and mechanical loaders can greatly simplify the process of lifting colonies from the ground and placing them onto trucks or trailers. These tools save time and reduce the physical effort required when moving large numbers of hives.
3. Written Agreement or Contract
Before colonies are transported to a farm for pollination, the beekeeper and grower usually establish a written agreement. This contract clearly outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and obligations of both parties involved in the pollination arrangement.
A typical pollination agreement may include details such as:
- Names and identification of the parties involved.
- Number of colonies or hives required.
- Rental or service fees.
- Expected strength of the bee colonies.
- Delivery date.
- Location where colonies will be placed.
- Duration of the pollination period.
- Availability of water for the bees.
- Protection of colonies from pesticide exposure.
- Access rights for the beekeeper.
- Date when colonies will be removed from the crop area.
- Payment terms, incentives, or penalties.
Preparing a Bee Colony for Pollination
Preparing colonies for pollination requires careful planning and significant effort before the bees are transported to the farm. The beekeeper must select suitable colonies, prepare them properly, and ensure they are strong enough to perform effectively once placed in the crop field.
1. Choosing the Right Stock
Selecting suitable colonies is one of the most important steps in successful pollination beekeeping. Colonies chosen for this purpose should generally have young queens from gentle genetic lines. This helps improve colony performance, lowers the risk of colony failure, and reduces the chances of aggressive behavior that could result in stings.
The population size of the colony must also be managed through proper timing of colony development. Strong colonies with large populations are able to send more worker bees out to collect pollen and nectar, which increases their pollination ability. Smaller colonies, however, must keep more workers inside the hive to care for and protect the brood, leaving fewer bees available for foraging.
An effective pollination colony is one that can produce a large workforce of foraging bees, since pollination occurs primarily through the activities of these field bees.
2. Food Reserves
Colonies selected for pollination should have sufficient food reserves, especially because they are often transported between different locations. A colony should have an adequate supply of stored honey before being moved, with at least two frames of honey generally considered a reasonable minimum.
Beekeepers should not depend entirely on nectar and pollen availability in the crop fields. In many situations, natural food sources may be limited, and additional feeding may be necessary to maintain colony strength. Ensuring that colonies have enough stored food before transportation helps them adapt and remain productive in new environments.
3. Choosing a New Location
Selecting the correct placement site for colonies requires cooperation between the beekeeper and the farmer. Daytime visits to the field should be conducted before moving the bees so that the best locations for hive placement can be identified. Evaluating the area at night can be difficult because important features of the landscape may not be visible.
The size and layout of the crop field should also influence hive placement. Smaller fields may only require a group of colonies positioned close together, while larger fields need careful planning to ensure bees can effectively reach all areas of the crop. The presence of competing flowering plants should also be considered, as they may attract bees away from the target crop.
Wind direction and the direction the hive entrances face generally have little effect on foraging patterns because bees naturally spread out and search for resources in various directions around the colony.
Accessibility is another important factor when selecting a pollination site. The beekeeper should be able to easily reach the colonies for inspections, hive management, expansion, and honey removal when necessary. Roads and access paths should also be wide and suitable enough to allow vehicles and equipment to maneuver safely around the apiary area.
Welfare of Bee Colonies
One of the most important factors to consider when placing bee colonies for pollination is access to shade and water. If a natural water source is available nearby, it can serve the colonies well. However, when no suitable water source exists, the farmer or beekeeper should provide a temporary water supply. This helps prevent large numbers of bees from searching for water in places such as household tanks or residential areas, where they may become a nuisance or create conflicts. Colonies should also be protected from excessive sunlight by placing hives under tree cover, creating temporary shade structures, or positioning them near natural vegetation.
Bee colonies must also be safeguarded from harmful substances such as pesticides. Both the target crops and surrounding areas should be managed carefully to reduce pesticide exposure. Another important concern is protecting colonies from theft. Hive locations should ideally be placed where access is controlled, such as near occupied buildings or within secure farm areas. Additional risks that should be evaluated include flooding, strong winds, and the possibility of fire.
Moving Hives
Many beekeepers prefer transporting colonies at night because bees are usually inside the hive, less active, and easier to handle during the cooler hours. Before transportation, hive entrances are typically secured with screens to prevent bees from escaping. Small numbers of hives can then be loaded onto pickup trucks, while larger operations often arrange colonies in groups and use forklifts or mechanical loaders to move them onto trailers or trucks.
Since hive transportation often takes place at night, farmers should be prepared for the arrival and placement of colonies after dark. This is why it is essential for the beekeeper and farmer to inspect the field together during daylight hours beforehand. A daytime visit allows them to plan access routes, determine suitable hive locations, and address any challenges before the colonies arrive.
Timing is also critical when moving colonies for pollination. The ideal time to introduce bees into a crop field is at the beginning of the flowering period. This encourages bees to focus their foraging activities on the intended crop. If colonies are introduced too early or too late, bees may be attracted to competing weeds or other flowering plants instead.
Wildflower Planting
Wildflowers and native plants provide valuable resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These plants are naturally adapted to local climates and are especially beneficial in rural areas where they support a wide range of native wildlife. Gardeners who want to create bee-friendly spaces should consider adding wildflowers and native species. Even people with limited space can transform small sections of their lawns or gardens into areas dedicated to wildflowers.
Wildflower seeds are available in many different mixes designed for specific climates, soil types, and growing conditions. Some mixtures are specially created to attract bees and butterflies. Popular wildflowers that support pollinators include:
Spring and Summer Wildflowers:
Red Campion, Selfheal, Bugle, Comfrey, Poppy, Betony, Foxglove, Dandelion, Woundwort, Yellow Rattle, Vetches, Cat’s Ear, Dead-nettle, and Ground Ivy.
Summer and Autumn Wildflowers:
Comfrey, Bramble, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Clovers, Burdock, Cat’s Ear, Teasels, Angelica, Vetches, Knapweed, Thistles, Sainfoin, and Red Bartsia.
Autumn and Winter Wildflowers:
Ivy and Devil’s-bit Scabious.
When selecting wildflowers for your garden, choose seed mixtures specifically designed to benefit bees and butterflies. It is also important to select plants that match your local soil conditions and climate. This improves the likelihood of successful growth. Before introducing new plant species, check with local environmental authorities to ensure the chosen varieties are suitable and permitted in your area. Online resources can also provide useful information when selecting appropriate plants.
Pollinating Fruit Trees
Fruit trees can be divided into three main categories: cross-pollinating, self-pollinating, and partially self-fertile varieties. Most fruit trees belong to the cross-pollinating group and require pollen from another plant variety to produce good yields. Examples include pears, sweet cherries, and many other fruit crops. Self-pollinating trees, such as figs, peaches, and sour cherries, can produce fruit without pollen from another tree. Semi-fruitful varieties, such as many apple trees, can produce fruit independently but often produce larger and better harvests when cross-pollination occurs.
Successful cross-pollination requires two or more compatible varieties to be planted close together or grafted onto the same tree. The varieties must also flower during the same period so that pollinators can transfer pollen between them effectively.
Tips for Fruit Tree Pollination
- When planting apples and pears, grow at least two compatible trees nearby to encourage cross-pollination. These trees often flower best during cool, wet weather. Ensure that trees from the same genus are paired together, such as apples with apples and pears with pears.
- Plums and cherries often depend on cross-pollination, but compatible varieties must bloom at the same time and be planted close enough for bees to transfer pollen between them.
- Grapes are self-pollinating and do not require cross-pollination. However, planting multiple varieties nearby can encourage the development of hybrids because some grape varieties produce pollen that cannot fertilize themselves.
- Blueberries are generally self-pollinating but usually produce better yields when multiple varieties are planted near each other.
- Kiwi plants are mostly self-pollinating, with one male plant capable of supporting several female plants.
- Strawberries and raspberries are also capable of self-pollination.
Honeybees play an important role in pollinating many fruit crops, including the varieties mentioned above. Their activity helps improve fruit production and contributes significantly to successful harvests.
Bulb Planting
Flower bulbs are easy to grow, attractive to gardeners, and provide valuable food sources for bees. They are adaptable plants that can thrive in many different soils and garden environments. Some bee-friendly bulbs that perform well in lawns include snowdrops, crocuses, and short-stemmed fritillarias. These can be planted in lawns, flower borders, or between existing plant groups.
Certain bulbs, including bluebells, wood anemones, cyclamen, and snowdrops, are particularly suitable for shaded or difficult areas of the garden. They can thrive in locations where other plants may struggle. Tall varieties such as Alliums and Agapanthus provide excellent summer blooms and remain attractive for long periods. Bumblebees are especially attracted to Alliums, while honeybees frequently visit Agapanthus flowers.
Flower bulbs are popular because they are easy to maintain, blend well with other garden plants, and add beauty to outdoor spaces. Some of the best bee-friendly bulb varieties include:
Best for Winter:
Winter Aconite, Chionodoxa species, and Snowdrops.
Ideal for Spring:
Iris, Crocus, Hyacinth, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Bluebells, Muscari, and Anemone Nemorosa.
Best for Summer:
Allium, Agapanthus, Ornithogalum, Crocosmia, and Foxtail Lily.
Conclusion
Beekeeping for pollination has become an important practice worldwide. Many beekeepers who provide pollination services have discovered that renting colonies can generate significant income in addition to the traditional benefits of honey and beeswax production. A single hive can earn substantial revenue through pollination services, and large numbers of colonies can generate considerable returns during a single season.
Beyond commercial benefits, honeybees provide essential ecological services by supporting the growth and reproduction of fruit trees, flowering bulbs, and wildflower species. Their role as pollinators makes them valuable partners in both agriculture and natural ecosystems.