One of the most important parts of human existence is slowly disappearing across the U.S. A new study by BestMadHoney has revealed the states where bees are vanishing fastest – and the results paint a bleak picture for American pollinators.
The analysis, based on data from the Apiary Inspectors of America, shows Wisconsin facing the steepest losses – but the crisis doesn’t stop there. From the Midwest to the coasts, bee colonies are collapsing, raising urgent questions about the future of U.S. food production.
“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. When losses climb this high, it’s more than a challenge for beekeepers – it’s a warning sign that our food systems themselves are under strain.”
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. That’s almost twice the national average. For a state that depends on apples and cranberries – crops that simply can’t grow without pollinators – the loss is heartbreaking. Farmers say even with awards and recognition for their beekeeping efforts, the hives just keep dying – and the question on everyone’s mind is how long the harvests can hold out.
Nevada comes next, with 86% of colonies gone. Harsh desert conditions and limited natural forage already make life difficult for bees, and despite Platinum-level recognition from the ABF, the losses keep climbing.
And in the Midwest – the heart of America’s farmland – Nebraska and Iowa have each lost more than 80% of their colonies. These are states built on corn and soybeans, crops that depend heavily on bees. Without pollinators, the future of those harvests and the food supply beyond state lines is suddenly uncertain.
Utah has lost 71% of colonies – about 15 percentage points higher than the national figure. The mix of farmland, desert and mountain climates makes it tough for bees to thrive, even with community efforts like Bee Campus affiliates raising awareness.
In Connecticut, two-thirds (67%) of colonies have vanished, the highest rate in the East. The state has one of the strongest Bee City networks in the country, but the numbers suggest urbanization and pesticide use are undermining those local efforts.
Oregon has lost 66% of colonies, more than ten percentage points above average. The state is known for its conservation culture and land set aside for wildlife, but even here bees are struggling. It shows that broader pressures – from climate change to parasites and disease – are often stronger than local protections.
In Minnesota, 64% of hives have disappeared – a sobering figure for a state with so much farmland. Yet with less than 5% of land left for wildlife, bees are running out of safe places to nest and forage.
Vermont has seen 62% of its colonies vanish, a painful loss for a state known for apple orchards and maple syrup. Vermonters are among the most pollinator-conscious communities in the country, but the numbers show that even strong awareness can’t stop the decline on its own.
Texas has lost 61% of its hives – about five percentage points higher than the national average. 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.
Rounding out the top ten is South Dakota, where 59% of colonies have disappeared. While the rate is slightly lower than its Midwestern neighbors, South Dakota is one of the country’s top honey producers – making these losses especially concerning for both local beekeepers and national honey supplies.
States with the lowest bee colony loss rates
Rank | State | Bee colony loss rate |
1 | Indiana | 34% |
2 | Tennessee | 39% |
=3 | Kentucky | 42% |
=3 | Virginia | 42% |
=4 | Washington | 43% |
=4 | Maryland | 43% |
=4 | Colorado | 43% |
5 | Georgia | 42% |
But it's not all bad news. Some states are keeping colony losses much lower, and their experiences may help build a fuller picture of what supports bee health.
In Indiana, just 34% of colonies have been lost. That’s the lowest in the nation and more than 20 percentage points below the U.S. average. For beekeepers here, it’s proof that healthier hives are still possible, even with the pressures seen elsewhere.
Tennessee comes next at 39%, about 17 percentage points better than average. While still a sharp decline, it’s far less severe than the 80%-plus losses in the hardest-hit states. Tennessee’s relatively mild figures suggest that local climate or farming methods could be giving bees an edge.
Kentucky and Virginia both sit at 42% – roughly 14 percentage points below the national baseline. Kentucky’s numbers are surprising given its lack of large-scale bee-friendly programs, while Virginia has one of the strongest Bee City and Campus networks in the country. The fact that both perform well shows there isn’t just one route to healthier hives.
Loss rates in Washington, Maryland, and Colorado are all 43%, about 13 percentage points better than the U.S. average. Washington’s result is especially striking when compared with neighboring Oregon, where two-thirds of colonies have disappeared.
Finally, Georgia reports a 44% loss rate, sitting nearly 12 percentage points below average. While still almost half of colonies are gone, the state is doing better than most of the country – a rare bit of good news in an otherwise grim picture.
Sanjay Kalfe, CEO and Founder of BestMadHoney, commented on the study, “Our findings reveal a troubling picture for bee populations across America – one with serious consequences for society. With colony loss rates exceeding 80% in four states, we’re witnessing a genuine crisis that threatens not only honey production, but the stability of our entire food system.
“Bees pollinate about one-third of the food we consume in the United States, making them essential for both agriculture and food security. Every lost colony is a step backward in our ability to maintain sustainable production.
“The sharp regional differences we’ve observed suggest that local factors – from pesticide use to climate conditions – play a major role in colony health. States with lower loss rates may hold valuable lessons that can help us respond to this crisis nationwide.”
Post courtesy of BestMadHoney, who provided the research.
Sources:
Methodology:
Colony loss rates were taken from the Apiary Inspectors of America. Figures were compared against the national average to highlight which states are losing the most and the least colonies.
Additional context on bee health and conservation was drawn from sources including Bee City USA, the American Beekeeping Federation, the USDA Economic Research Service, and the National Centers for Environmental Information.
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