Farm Facts Bees

What’s the buzz around Illinois’ bee sector? See interesting facts and statistics below on this important aspect of agriculture.

SEE MORE: Sweet Life of Beekeeping

  • The number of registered Illinois beekeepers increased by 38 percent from 2012 to 2013, totaling more than 2,500.
  • Honeybees pollinate about one-third of all food-producing plants, including Illinois’ nation-leading pumpkin crop.
  • Illinois’ beekeepers currently manage more than 24,000 colonies.
  • On average, one hive of honeybees collects 66 pounds of pollen per year.
  • The U.S. has more than 300 unique types of honey, each originating from a different floral source.
  • Several county Farm Bureaus in Illinois work with beekeeper groups to promote the health of bees and their hives.
  • In the winter, beekeepers insulate their hives to keep the bees warm. In the wild, honeybees huddle together for warmth and find shelter in tree trunks or caves.
  • Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar. However, it has a sweeter taste, so you should use about one-half to one-third as much honey as you would sugar.

Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

5 Recipes With Honey

  1. Honey-Lime Fruit Salad
  2. Honey French Toast
  3. Blueberry Corn Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
  4. Honey Pecan Baby Back Ribs
  5. Apple Gingerbread

Sources: FarmWeekNow.com, honey.com

COMMENTS

  • We were wondering if someone from the farm bureau could come to Sunny Hill Nursing Home and give a talk about the importance of bees.You can contact me by email above or direct line @ 815-727-8711. Thank you in advance for getting back to me.

    • Hi Danette,

      You’ll need to contact the Illinois Farm Bureau directly at (309) 557-2111. They should be able to help you!

      Rachel Bertone
      editor
      Illinois Partners

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