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Inside A Large Commercial Beekeeping Operation
- Chris Hiatt runs about 18,000 hives and described moving them across the U.S. to pollinate almonds, apples, cherries, and more.
- He estimated summer hive size 40–60k bees and said his operation produces roughly 1–1.5 million pounds of honey in a good year, weather permitting.
Why Honey Yield Per Hive Has Dropped
- Honey yields per hive have fallen since the 1970s due to habitat loss, fewer blossoms, pesticides, and varroa mites weakening bees.
- Chris Hiatt noted his father's Alberta hives once made 200+ lbs per hive; now averages are often 50–80 lbs and require multiple mite treatments yearly.
Imports And Adulteration Depressed U.S. Honey Prices
- Cheap imported honey and adulterated syrup blends have depressed domestic beekeeper prices despite rising retail honey demand.
- Hiatt described past Chinese dumping at 30–40 cents a pound and widespread transshipping through Vietnam, India, and Myanmar to evade tariffs.