Bees

From rolling lavender fields in the north to watermelon farms in the south, AgriNews has taken me on a journey with the most beautiful views.

Lincoln Land Community College dedicated its newest learning space, 2.1 acres of land at 2320 West Lake Shore Drive, now known as West Lake Nature Grove.

FFA members who have developed exceptional projects will be introduced during the 95th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention, set for June 13-15.

The migratory monarch butterfly is now listed as endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “Few species evoke the awe and wonder that the migratory monarch butterfly commands,” said Sean O’Brien, president and CEO of Nature Serve.

BASF Agricultural Solutions North America announced it will donate $50,000 to The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund’s Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program. The donation is part of BASF’s annual Living Acres #MonarchChallenge initiative.

The past year has been a time of economic volatility and turmoil unlike any period I have seen in my more than six decades of farming. I know many of my customers are also feeling this turmoil in the form of higher gas prices and larger grocery bills.

Deb Zenner’s business might involve producing maple syrup and honey. But for her, the sweetest parts of the job are her interactions with customers at local farmers markets where she sells her wares.

A YouTube video shows Chris Lawson exploring and explaining the goings-on of a greenhouse at Paramount Schools of Excellence.

Chris Puetz spends about three hours every Saturday tending to his hives. “It’s a time commitment, but it’s time I block out, and it’s fun,” Puetz said.

A truck hauling bee hives crashed and overturned along a northern Michigan roadway, unleashing a big swarm of bees, police said.

A new study indicates that insects like honey bees in many cases can do a better job of pollinating soybeans than the plants can do on their own.

Customers value honey and beeswax products from Raines Honey Farm’s bees, but those pollinators are also essential for several fruit, vegetable and nut crops.

Being respectful of others — including bees — is important. Roughly 750 people and about 7,800 hives are registered on BeeCheck, said Fred Whitford, Purdue University clinical engagement professor.

June marks National Pollinator Month, which was established to bring awareness of the relationship between plants and pollinators.