Today, Explained Honey, We Saved the Bees
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Apr 26, 2024 
Andrew Van Dam, a Washington Post reporter, dives into the surprising resurgence of the U.S. honeybee population. He discusses how honeybees are thriving despite a past marked by colony collapse disorder. The podcast explores how tax incentives in Texas have rejuvenated small-scale beekeepers and the pivotal role honeybees play in agriculture, especially in almond production. Additionally, Van Dam spotlights the challenges beekeepers face today and the need for sustainable practices to ensure the survival of all pollinators.
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Unexpected Bee Boom
- Despite concerns about colony collapse disorder, the U.S. honeybee population has reached a record high.
- This discovery was made by Andrew Van Dam while analyzing the USDA's Census of Agriculture.
Texas Bee Boom
- Dennis Herbert, a retired wildlife biologist, noticed beekeepers weren't receiving the same tax exemptions as other farmers.
- He successfully lobbied the Texas legislature to change this, leading to a surge in beekeeping.
Managing the Problem
- The increased bee population isn't due to a solution to colony collapse but rather increased bee production.
- Beekeepers are working harder and managing colonies more intensely to offset losses.