Midwest attitudes about honey bees and pollinator-friendly practices: A survey of Iowan beekeepers, farmers, and landowners

There are many challenges to maintaining healthy honey bee hives in the US state of Iowa where much of the landscape is dominated by agricultural production. Pollinator sustainability (i.e., wild bee conservation and sustainable beekeeping) relies upon management decisions by beekeepers, farmers, and landowners, but it is unclear if these stakeholders are aware of and use best practices. We present results of surveys administered to Iowan beekeepers, farmers, and landowners after extension programming on best management practices for sustaining honey bees (Apis mellifera) and other pollinators. Results show beekeepers, farmers, and landowners believe implementing pollinator-friendly practices is important. However, knowledge of tools to implement these practices, such as registering apiaries to avoid pesticide drift or cost-share programs for establishing habitat on their land, was very low.

Moreover, we discuss scaling this survey to a national level in the United States through the IPM4Bees Working Group, a collaborative organization made up of honey bee educators and extension professionals across the country. The group utilizes online survey techniques to collect data after extension presentations. Through this survey the IPM4Bees Working Group will gain insights on the major challenges beekeepers face in the US and develop new resources that are regionally relevant to beekeepers and other stakeholders.