Northern Alberta beekeepers optimistic after years of low honey yields

Northern Alberta beekeepers reported sharp declines in honey yields in 2024, especially a 52% drop in the Peace region, and some producers said 2025 showed slight improvement with cautious optimism for 2026.

Northern Alberta beekeepers experienced notably low honey yields in 2024 and are watching conditions for signs of recovery in 2026. The 2024 Alberta Beekeepers' Survey reported a 52% drop in yields in the Peace region, and the province produced about 30 million pounds of honey in 2024, down about 17.5% from 2023. Operators cited drought in the Peace River Basin and pressures such as varroa mites and smoke from wildfires as contributors to weaker hives and higher colony losses. Some producers reported modest improvements in 2025 and described a cautious optimism as the 2026 season begins. Key developments: - The Peace region saw the largest regional decline in 2024, with a reported 52% drop in honey yields from the previous year. - Alberta's total honey production in 2024 was about 30 million pounds, roughly 17.5% lower than in 2023. - Beekeepers and diagnostic experts cited drought, increasing varroa mite resistance to treatments, and heavy smoke as factors affecting hive strength and foraging. - Some producers reported heavy winter losses (one said about 45% in 2025) while others noted slight production gains in 2025 and expressed guarded optimism for 2026. Summary: Lower honey yields and elevated colony losses reduced production in 2024 and affected beekeeping operations financially and operationally. Reports indicate some improvement in 2025 and cautious optimism among producers about the 2026 season. Undetermined at this time.