It's a tough time for beekeepers and almond growers during California's almond pollination season. There's a nationwide bee shortage, rapidly increasing hive thefts and often uncooperative weather.
“California has experienced an 87 percent increase in hive thefts since 2013 with loss to beekeepers estimated at over $3.5 million," California State Beekeepers' Association (CSBA) president Ryan Burris announced in a news release.
In fact, last year thieves in California stole 3,492 hives, according to Butte County deputy Rowdy Jay Freeman, who keeps the statistics.
Beekeepers truck their bees to California from throughout the nation. Grower rent the hives for as much as $225 each. "The high value of hives during pollination season," Burris said, "has spurred an increase in individuals, and even crime rings, who steal hives from orchards and then rent these stolen hives to farmers who need bees to pollinate their crop."
Concerned over the daily thefts, Burris just announced "a new effort aimed at preventing the rapidly expanding number of hive theft incidents that continue to jeopardize California's agricultural production and increase food costs."
Enter the Pipkin Detective Agency, serving California's Central Valley. CSBA is partnering with the agency to launch the Commercial Hive Theft Prevention Program, available to members.
“We need everyone working together--beekeepers, farmers, law enforcement, and even the public--to help put a stop to beehive theft,” Burris said. “CSBA intends to investigate as many hive theft incidents as we can with special focus on those the Pipkin Detective Agency believes have the best potential to result in conviction. We look forward to working with them.”
Meanwhile, CSBA encourages beekeepers to mark their hives with names, distinctive brands and use tracking devices such as air tags. And to continue reporting the thefts to local law enforcement. “Every step you take to protect your hives," Burris said, "will decrease the chance of theft or, at least, increase the likelihood of a criminal conviction if stolen."
The CSBA Facebook page provides more information at https://www.facebook.com/castatebeekeepers.