June 2026 Central Issue

In-Depth New Synthesis Confirms Prairie Strips’ Value for Pollinators

Small areas of native grasses and wildflowers integrated into corn and soybean fields consistently support more abundant and diverse pollinator communities, including native bees, monarch butterflies, and honey bees. These “prairie strips”  support honey bee colonies located nearby, allowing these colonies to collect more pollen, grow larger, and have better winter survival rates than colonies in other areas.

Balance is Key for Nurse Honey Bees’ Diets

Honey bees need more than just pollen—they need the right nutritional balance. In a recent study by researchers with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Texas A&M University, nurse bees responsible for feeding developing larvae consistently preferred diets containing a specific balance of protein and lipids.

These findings suggest that nurse bees actively regulate their nutrient intake and stop feeding once they reach certain nutritional thresholds, highlighting the importance of balanced diets for colony health and development.

Supporting & Sustaining Bee Health

This impact report from the Multistate Research Fund highlights how researchers from land-grant universities across the country are working together to better understand the complex factors affecting both managed and wild bees.

Check out this summary learn how pesticide exposure, extreme weather, habitat loss, transportation stress, and changing landscapes can influence bee survival. Practical tips for helping pollinators thrive are also included.