Illinois beekeepers battle losses, costs to keep hives buzzing

Beekeepers face steep startup costs and significant bee colony losses - often exceeding 50% annually.

Illinois has more than 5,400 registered beekeepers, with nearly 9 in 10 managing 10 hives or fewer.

Strong mentorship, close monitoring and local associations are key to successful beekeeping.

Beekeeping doesn’t replace native pollinator conservation but can foster awareness.

This summary was written by the reporter and editors who worked on this story.

SPRINGFIELD – Luke Harvey established the Riverview Road Apiary in 2014, perched along the Illinois River in Chillicothe, just across from the home where he grew up north of Peoria. Surrounded by birdsong on the back porch of the house, Harvey recently reflected on his history with bees.

“The love of beekeeping is also about the love