Is Utah A Good Place For Beekeeping???

Utah is known as the beehive state and those who aren’t from the area may assume it has something to do with bees, and it does just not directly.  

The name is a reference of cultural values like hard work and industry represented by the beehive. However, unlike the symbolism associated with it, Utah's actual beehives aren’t doing that great. 

Reports from previous years show that there has been a decline in the beekeeping community of Utah and the state ranks pretty low on honey production. However, there was a slight spike in production from 2021 to 2022 the National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS) said.  

Despite having less colonies in 2022, Utah produced more honey, but the cost of honey also went up from consumers at $3 per pound that year.  

Utah produced 1.2 million pounds of honey in 2022 and thought that sounds like a lot, it's on the lower end compared to states like North Dakota who produced 31.2 million pounds of honey.  

So, when you see local honey at a Utah grocery store, farmer’s market or even on the side of the road it may be a good idea to purchase some. Not only does it help small businesses, but you are supporting the local bees.  

Though Utah may not be a high honey production state, it is still a part of its history, symbolic or not. With help from locals and kind individuals to bees, perhaps the state can produce more honey in the coming years and not lose any more bee colonies in the process.