Where are the bees? How Saskatchewan finds itself in a honey shortage

The prairies are well-known among beekeepers as the powerhouse for honey production in Canada. But this year, things are looking a little less sweet.

The Prairies are well-known among beekeepers as the powerhouse for honey production in Canada. But this year, things are looking a little less sweet.

In 2024, Canadian honeybee colonies across Western Canada say honey production is down while bee disease is on the rise.

“One stack of boxes or one colony can produce up to 200 pounds on average or more of honey in a year,” Sarah Wood, the University of Saskatchewan associate professor and research chair in pollinator health, described.

“In years where we have less nectar or the weather doesn’t cooperate as much, then we can expect lower yields.”

Wood said lots of the stress on the colonies comes from the cold spring across the province, and now the extreme heat. As a result, the bees are much more susceptible to disease.

“Particularly a disease called European foulbrood that affects the baby bees in the hive and prevents the colony from growing as quickly,” Wood said.

European foulbrood disease can devastate a full-sized colony, reducing it to half or a third of its strength.

And while there isn’t much beekeepers can do about the disease, Wood and her research team are using the downfall of honey production to help manage and discover new ways to treat it.