USDA study:­­ Survey shows 8% loss in honey bee colonies

-- Photo courtesy of lovelygreens.com/2012/05/mid-may-hive-check.html

Gazette intern reporter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) released the results of its first ever Honey Bee Colony Loss survey on Thursday, May 12. The survey studied more than 20,000 honey beekeepers regarding colonies lost, stayed, added and affected by particular stressors.

Results from the survey are expected to provide baseline information on honey bee losses as well as help with bee management decisions. They will also help USDA and other federal departments and agencies...