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Ohio Department of Agriculture Apiary Program

Plant Industry Division - Apiary Program

Honey bees have always played a vital role in agriculture and as such the department has overseen their inspection since House Bill 28 was approved on April 21, 1904.  This 103 year history has evolved as agriculture has evolved and changed across the state.  Honey bees not only provide honey but are a vital source of pollination for many of the fruit and vegetable crops grown in Ohio such as apples, melons, cucumbers, and pumpkins.  They are also used to pollinate seed crops such as sunflower and canola. 

The Apiary Program coordinates the state and county inspection services that help to ensure a healthy beekeeping industry.  There were 3,735 beekeepers registered in 2009 in accordance with Ohio Revised Code section 909.02 which represents 5,618 apiaries, or an estimated 14,538 colonies. 

The Apiary Program worked with various national groups and the USDA in providing samples for the study of Colony Collapse Disorder which caused massive colony deaths in various parts of the nation, including Ohio.

Honey Bee Image
2009 INSPECTION REPORT

REGISTRATIONS:
Registration Certificates Issued - 3,735
Apiaries Registered - 5,618
Estimated Colonies - 14,538


INSPECTIONS:
County Apiary Inspectors - 55
Apiaries Inspected - 3,461
Colonies with American Foulbrood - 164
Colonies with European Foulbrood - 14
Colonies with Chalkbrood - 160
Colonies with Tracheal Mite - 69
Colonies with Varroa Mite - 4,207
Colonies with Small Hive Beetle - 93
     
Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068