# Migratory Beekeepers: The Unsung Heroes of Modern Agriculture
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Chapter 1: The Journey of Migratory Beekeepers
Migratory beekeepers are vital to our agricultural framework, often working around the clock to support crop production. Travis Schock, a migratory beekeeper, travels extensively with his honeybee hives, which are essential for pollination. Since February, he has journeyed thousands of miles from Florida's Sebring to California’s almond orchards and back again, all while managing the health of his bees. During a recent call amidst a rainstorm in Michigan, he expressed concern about potential swarming in his hives. “If I catch them quickly and box them up,” he noted, “they’ll remain my bees.”
Schock collaborates with a cherry farming operation in Traverse City, Michigan, where he has expanded his colonies from 90 to 900 over three years. This region, known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” accounts for 40% of the U.S. tart cherry harvest. With over 100 North American crops dependent on commercial honeybee pollination, the role of beekeepers has become even more critical, especially during recent lockdowns.
Section 1.1: The Economic Impact of Beekeeping
Managed honeybee populations contribute nearly $20 billion to the U.S. economy. The importance of these pollinators is underscored by the cherry blossom's unique pollination needs: unlike apples, which can set fruit with partial pollination, cherries require complete fertilization to thrive. The honeybee is the primary agent for this essential process across various fruits in the Rosaceae family, including cherries, apples, and many others.
Section 1.2: The Evolution of Migratory Beekeeping
The commercial aspect of migratory beekeeping has surged alongside the expansion of agriculture and the availability of affordable transportation. Historically, pollination was handled by native insects and local hives, but as farming practices evolved, so did the need for mobile pollination services. The European honeybee, Apis mellifera, typically travels only a few miles from its hive in search of flowers. However, beekeepers began relocating their hives over longer distances to meet the demands of larger agricultural operations.
Today, it's estimated that two-thirds of U.S. hives are migratory, following seasonal blooms across the country. Glenn Card, who manages Merrimack Valley Apiaries, one of the largest migratory operations, explained the complexities involved in transporting bees. The pandemic has added layers of difficulty to their logistics, especially when it comes to securing drivers for the trucks that transport the hives.
Chapter 2: Challenges Faced by Migratory Beekeepers
The first migratory beekeepers, referred to as “out-apiaries,” initially sought flowers for honey production rather than for pollination purposes. While some farmers recognized the benefits of hosting bees, others resisted. This tension is documented in Frank Pellet's 1938 work, where California fruit growers litigated against beekeepers for perceived damage to their crops.
Today, the focus has shifted primarily to pollination fees. As Schock remarked, “Traveling to pollinate is a sacrifice you make for a guaranteed paycheck.” Alongside honey production, migratory beekeepers also engage in breeding new bees to replenish their colonies.
After the almond bloom in California, many of Card's bees return to Louisiana for rest and honey production. However, others continue their journey to pollinate blueberries in New Jersey and apples in the Northeast, culminating with cranberries in Cape Cod.
Section 2.1: Balancing Health and Business
The decision-making process regarding travel involves careful consideration of bee health, pollination fees, and honey yield. Added to these calculations are the common concerns shared by essential workers: their health and safety in the current climate.
Schock noted, “Thankfully, we’re kind of naturally secluded people.” Despite concerns regarding logistics, supply chains, and labor shortages, he remains committed to his work. “I’m sure there are quite a few people that aren’t aware of what we do and how big of a business it really is,” he concluded. “But despite what’s going on, I don’t see anything really stopping me from doing my job.”