Montana Celebrates Pollinator Week
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has proclaimed June 21-27, 2021, to be Pollinator Week in Montana to highlight the importance of pollinator species, especially when it comes to enhancing agricultural production in the state.
The Montana Department of Agriculture’s Apiary Program supports the health of two pollinator species in the state: honey bees and alfalfa leafcutting bees.
“Montana’s diverse landscape and abundance of agricultural crops and water sources are ideal for bees and other pollinators,” said State Entomologist Alyssa Piccolomini. “Pollinator Week is a great opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the import roles pollinators play in our food security and natural resource preservation.”
With more than 260,000 registered honey bee colonies in the state including commercial beekeepers, landowners, pollinators, and hobbyists, Montana consistently ranks in the top five states for honey production. According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, producers with five or more honey bee colonies produced nearly 9 million pounds of honey in 2020, with the average yield per colony being 81 pounds.
With help from alfalfa leafcutting bees, Montana alfalfa seed growers can significantly increase their yields. The department supports this production by registration and certification services that ensure alfalfa leafcutting bees are healthy and free from diseases and parasites. To learn more about the department’s apiary program, visit agr. mt.gov/beeprogram. To find pollinator events happening near you, visit pollinator.org.
