Honey Prices Surge Despite Production Decline
In 2024, US honey production totaled 134 million pounds, reflecting a 4% decline from the previous year. The number of honey-producing colonies rose by 3% to 2.60 million, but the average yield per colony decreased by 6% to 51.7 pounds.
By December 15, 2024, producer honey stocks stood at 43.4 million pounds, a 2% decrease from the previous year. Lower yields contributed to this decline, although rising prices helped stabilize beekeeper revenues.
Honey prices increased by 5%, reaching an average of $2.69 per pound. Prices varied by color and marketing channel, with retail sales fetching higher rates. The increase in price helped offset reduced production.
Pollination income dropped to $226 million, an 11% decline from 2023, affecting beekeepers relying on pollination services. Other income, including sales of honey bee queens, beeswax, and propolis, also declined by 11%, totaling $51.3 million. The price of a queen bee averaged $18, while packages and nucs cost $89 and $109, respectively.