Massachusetts Agricultural Highlights, 1 988 



APIARIES 



NUMBER OF COLONIES: 20,158 (during peak pollination season) 



• colonies primarily in honey production: 8,870 



• colonies used for pollination of apple and cranberry crops: 11,288 



• pounds of honey produced per hive: (estimated) 18 



Migratory Colonies 



11,288 colonies are rented to ensure pollination and improve crop yields. Many of the rental colonies are 

 managed by migratory beekeepers. After pollination season, these beekeepers transport their hives to apiary 

 yards in southern states to permit their honey bees to rebuild in a warmer climate. 



Distribution of Massachusetts Apiaries 



COUNTY BEEKEEPERS 



COLONIES 



WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS 



Berkshire 169 



Franklin 231 



Hampshire 172 



Hampden 188 



411 

 608 

 659 

 846 



Total 760 



CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS 

 Worcester 710 



2,524 



1,903 



Total 



710 



1,903 



1,377 

 3,252 

 1,370 

 43 

 4,239 

 4,797 



Total 1,751 



CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS 



Barnstable 118 



Dukes 26 



Nantucket 2 



15,078 



238 

 170 

 245 



Total 



146 



653 



STATE TOTAL 



3,367 



20, 158 



Source: Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture, 1987 



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