Honey production in the United States last year totaled 134 million pounds, down 4% from 2023.
According to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service surveys, there were 2.60 million colonies producing honey in 2024, up 3% from 2023. Yield per colony averaged 51.7 pounds, down 6% from 2023.
U.S. honey prices rose 5% during 2024 reaching $2.69 per pound, compared to $2.55 per pound in 2023. The average prices paid for honey bee queens, packages and nucs in 2024 were $18, $89 and $109, respectively.
Pollination income for 2024 was $226 million, down 11% from 2023. Other income from honey bees in 2024 was $51.3 million, also down 11% from 2023. Producer honey stocks were 43.4 million pounds on December 15, 2024, down 2% from a year earlier.
Colonies which produced honey in more than one State were counted in each State where the honey was produced. Therefore, at the United States level yield per colony may be understated, but total production would not be impacted. Colonies were not included if honey was not harvested.
United States and State level prices reflect the portions of honey sold through cooperatives, private and retail channels. Prices for each color class are derived by weighting the quantities sold for each marketing channel. Prices for the 2023 crop reflect honey sold in 2023 and 2024. Some 2023 crop honey was sold in 2024, which caused some revisions to the 2023 crop prices.
Access the National publication for this release at: https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/hd76s004z.
Comments