The Sustainable Beekeepers Guild of Michigan (SBGMI) is committed to supporting hobbyist and sideline beekeepers through education, mentorship, and research-driven best practices. Our 2023-2024 Beekeeping Management Survey gathered responses from beekeepers across Michigan and beyond to gain a deeper understanding of management techniques, challenges, and colony survival rates from their 2023-2024 seasons. The survey helps us tailor our outreach and support for beekeepers fostering more sustainable apiaries.
The survey received 183 respondents. The survey was administered via social media platforms and email marketing software beginning in May of 2024. The purpose of this timing is to capture responses from Northern beekeepers. We have identified that most national surveys close before Northern beekeepers are able to assess colony status for the upcoming seasons.
Beekeeping Experience and Mentorship
Beekeepers who responded to the survey have a wide range of experience, with the largest group having 4 to 7 years in practice. Interestingly, over 40% of respondents never worked with a mentor, while 35% had occasional mentorship, and only about 25% had a dedicated mentor for a season. This highlights a similar trend to the previous year’s survey and indicates a trend, that fewer and fewer beekeepers are learning from hands-on experience with mentors. SBGMI understands the importance of mentorship programs in guiding new beekeepers through common challenges such as Varroa mite management and overwintering strategies, but these findings indicate potential shifts in how beekeepers access this information and apply it. SBGMI actively addresses this gap with initiatives like our Facebook, YouTube, and monthly virtual meeting sessions.
Varroa Mite Management Strategies
The survey revealed that beekeepers employ a variety of methods to manage Varroa mites, with Formic Pro (56.1%) and Oxalic Acid (53.7%) being the most commonly used treatments. Other strategies included screened bottom boards (39%), splitting colonies (26.8%), and synthetic treatments like Apivar (22%). Only 4.9% of respondents reported using no mite management strategy, emphasizing the growing awareness of Varroa mites as a critical threat to colony health.
Interestingly 55.4% reported performing a mite check before treatment. While treatment is essential, SBGMI encourages evidence-based decision-making to help identify naturally resistant colonies and support selective breeding for improved mite resistance.
Winter Survival Rates and Hive Success
One of the key takeaways from the survey is that SBGMI members reported strong overwintering success. While national averages indicate a colony survival rate of around 51.8%, 44.5% of our respondents reported an 81-100% survival rate from November 2023 to May 2024. This suggests that the sustainable management techniques advocated by SBGMI members may contribute to improved colony resilience.
Additionally, 85% of respondents entered 2024 with hives surviving the winter. This data reinforces the effectiveness of best practices such as mite monitoring & control, sustainable beekeeping practices, and using resistant stocks.
Beekeeping Education: Courses, Books, and Media
Education remains a vital component of beekeeping success. The survey found that nearly half of the respondents took a beekeeping course before obtaining their first colony, showing a strong commitment to learning. Books were rated as the most useful resource, with 72% of beekeepers rating them a 4 or 5 in usefulness. Meanwhile, YouTube and Facebook showed a more polarized response, with many beekeepers finding them either very useful or not useful at all.
SBGMI encourages structured education through courses, reading materials, ensuring that beekeepers have access to scientifically based information rather than relying solely on social media for guidance.
Sourcing Bees and Queen Genetics
When it comes to sourcing bees, 45% of beekeepers reported recovering their own losses rather than purchasing new colonies. Nucs (16%) and overwintered Michigan stock (11%) were also popular choices, reflecting a preference for locally adapted bees. However, a smaller percentage of respondents still rely on out-of-state packages or mixed sources. SBGMI continues to advocate for locally adapted genetics, as they contribute to hardier, more resilient colonies that may require fewer interventions and demonstrate better local pathogen resilience.
Support Through Community and Associations
The survey also highlighted strong engagement with beekeeping clubs and associations. Many respondents are members of Michigan-based beekeeping groups, including SBGMI, MBA, SEMBA, and local county-level organizations. This level of participation indicates that beekeepers recognize the value of community-based support and continued learning.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Sustainable Beekeeping
The 2023-2024 survey underscores the importance of evidence-based management, education, and organizational involvement in beekeeping. With a strong emphasis on local genetics, structured education, and effective mite strategies (including the use of resistant stock and bio-mechanical controls), SBGMI is at the forefront of promoting sustainable beekeeping practices.
We thank all who participated in this survey and look forward to using these insights to enhance our programs, advocate for sustainable practices, and support beekeepers in their journey toward healthier and more resilient apiaries. If you are not currently a member but interested in becoming part of this growing movement, we invite you to join SBGMI and take advantage of the many resources we offer!
Please keep an eye on your email inbox for this year’s survey for the 2024-2025 season.