The results present an economic scenario analysis examining the profitability implications of varying honey bee stocking densities and colony placement strategies in commercial highbush blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) production in Michigan and Florida. The analysis was conducted as part of USDA-NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI) Award No. 2020-02627, which examined pollination management practices across major U.S. blueberry production regions.
Gross profit scenarios were constructed for two production regions using region-specific baseline data on blueberry yield, wholesale market price, variable production costs, and hive rental fees. Yield effects associated with alternative stocking densities were derived from a pollination model developed under the same project. For Michigan, the baseline scenario assumes a stocking density of 2 hives per acre, a yield of 8,000 lb/acre, a wholesale price of $4.00/lb (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service), variable costs of $5,784/acre, and a hive rental rate of $60/hive. Increasing stocking density to 3 and 4 hives per acre was associated with predicted yield increases of 2.74% and 5.26%, respectively, relative to the baseline. For Florida, the baseline assumes 3 hives per acre, a yield of 8,000 lb/acre, a wholesale price of $3.40/lb, and variable costs of $6,899/acre. Alternative scenarios of 4, 5, and 6 hives per acre were associated with predicted yield increases of 1.74%, 3.21%, and 4.28%, respectively. Across both regions, gross profit was positive and increased with stocking density, indicating that the additional hive rental costs were more than offset by the yield-driven revenue gains under prevailing market conditions.
Grower interviews also provide economic evidence on colony placement strategies — specifically, clumped versus dispersed hive arrangements. Experimental results from the broader project found no yield difference between placement strategies, and beekeepers charge the same rental fee regardless of placement. From the grower's perspective, there is therefore no direct financial incentive to change placement. From the beekeeper's perspective, however, clumping offers potential cost savings: one Florida beekeeper estimated savings of $15 per hive, and a California pollination service provider reported approximately two hours of labor saved per delivery and removal event when hives were clumped.
These scenario results are intended to inform pollination management decisions for blueberry growers and beekeepers and to support the development of economic decision-support tools for the blueberry industry. Data are reported at the regional level and reflect conditions as of the 2024 production season.