United States 2022 Honey Report

Sperry Honey's 2022 United States Honey Report

We analyzed the USDA/NASS's latest honey report to observe the United State's honey production in 2022, focusing on large increases (and decreases) in honey production among states.

Total Honey Production
The United States produced 125,331,000 pounds of honey in 2022. That's 1,443,000 pounds less than 2021, a 1.14% drop.
Value of Honey Production
The total value of the United States' honey production was $370,980,000 in 2022, a 10.45% increase from 2021.
Honey Producing Colonies
There were 2,667,000 reported honey producing colonies in the United States in 2022, a 1.1% decrease from 2021.

North Dakota was by far the state leader in honey production, producing 1/4 of all U.S. honey in 2022. North Dakota produced more honey in 2022 than 38 other states combined.

Additionally, the top 5 producing states (North Dakota, California, Texas, Montana, and Florida) produced over half of all U.S. honey in 2022.

Northern states such as the Dakotas and Montana are ideal locations for honey production due to their cooler summers, but warmer states with high populations (i.e. California, Texas, Florida) have enough beekeepers to maintain their high rankings.

Winners & Losers

Here are the states with the largest % increases (and decreases) in honey production in 2022... according to USDA reported data.

Largest Honey Increases by State, 2021-2022 (%)

1. Wisconsin - Wisconsin saw a whopping 47.67% increase in honey production, the largest percentage increase of any state in 2022. Wisconsin produced 2.92 million pounds in 2022 (1.97 million in 2021). However this doesn't paint the full picture, as the Badger State is actually still down 1.79% from five years ago (2.97 million pounds).

2. Arkansas - Arkansas's honey production increased by 31.76% from 2021 to 2022. Despite this, since 2017 the state has experienced a 51.99% decrease in production, dropping from 2.33 million pounds (2017) to 1.12 million (2022). No state has seen a larger decrease in honey production in the last five years than Arkansas.

3. Oregon - Oregon increased its honey production by 27.68% between 2021 and 2022, jumping from 2.66 million pounds to 3.40 million. It also has seen a 9.1% increase over a five year span. Oregon ranked 8th among all the states for honey production in 2022.

4. Kansas - In 2022, Kansas experienced a significant boost in its honey production, surging by 26.53% from 294,000 pounds to 372,000 pounds. However, much like the other leaders, Kansas still experienced a significant drop in the span of five years. Kansas has witnessed a 32.73% decrease in honey production since 2017, 9th worst among all states in that time frame.

5. Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania experienced a notable 25.95% surge in its honey production, jumping from 840,000 pounds in 2021 to 1.05 million pounds in 2022. Furthermore, over the course of five years the state witnessed an incredible 43.75% rise (6th among all states).

Largest Honey Decreases by State (%)

1. South Dakota - South Dakota saw a whopping 41.10% decrease in honey produced from 2021 to 2022, dropping from 12.25 million pounds to 7.22 million. This 5 million pound decrease was the worst honey loss of any state in that time period. In fact, only 7 states (including South Dakota) even produced over 5 million pounds of honey in 2022. Additionally, South Dakota's honey production has dropped 50.36% in the past five years, second worst among states in that time frame.

2. Wyoming - Wyoming's honey production decreased by 38.75% between 2021 and 2022, with a slide from 2.20 million pounds produced to 1.35 million. Wyoming's honey crop ranks near the middle, 19th among states in 2022. In the past five years, Wyoming's honey production has dropped by 34.69%, the 7th worst decrease among states.

3. Maine - Maine's honey output decreased by 38.50% between 2021 and 2022, dropping from 374,000 pounds to 230,000. Since 2017, Maine's production has dropped by 166,000 pounds, with the 41.92% loss being the 4th worst in the last five years among states.

4. Michigan - Michigan's honey yield decreased by 34.08% between 2021 and 2022, fourth worst among U.S. states. The Wolverine State produced 3.36 million pounds of honey in 2022, a substantial drop from the 5.1 million pounds produced in 2021. Michigan also experienced a 14.13% drop in honey production within the past 5 years, ranked fairly average (25th) among the other states.

5. Minnesota - Minnesota's honey production saw a 26.99% decrease from 2021 to 2022, dropping by 1.92 million pounds. However, Minnesota still produced 5.2 million pounds of honey in 2022, 7th among all states. During the past five years, Minnesota has seen an even larger decrease of 33.41% decrease, the 8th largest decrease among all states.

Varroa Mite

The Varroa destructor, known as the varroa mite, presents a serious danger to honey bees (Apis mellifera).

This small parasitic mite invades honey bee colonies, extracting nourishment from the bees' hemolymph (blood) and spreading viruses. These viruses not only weaken the bees but can also devastate entire populations.

In 2022, the United States spent $2,159,000 more on varroa control and treatment than in 2021.

According to nature.com, 53% of backyard beekeepers did not perform Varroa management between 2010 and 2018.

The Apiary Workforce

Despite a drop in honey production, there were 25,000 U.S. apiary workers in 2022, a 1,000 person increase from 2021. According to IBIS World, the average beekeeping business in the US has 1.1 employees. The work can often be seasonal (depending on the location of the apiary), with more hired hands on deck during the extraction process.

State-by-State Honey Numbers

Alabama

In 2022, Alabama produced 400,000 pounds of honey, 32nd among the states.
Since 2021, Alabama has increased its honey production by 80,000 pounds. This 25% increase ranks 6th among U.S. states.
Alabama's total honey production value was $1,940,000 (34th).
The average price per pound for Alabama honey in 2022 was $4.85, a $0.37 decrease from 2021. This ranks 38th among all U.S. states.

Arizona

In 2022, Arizona ranked 25th among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,035,000 pounds.
Arizona's honey production decreased by 5,000 pounds since 2021, representing a 0.48% decline, which ranks the state 26th among U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in Arizona was $2,784,000 in 2022, ranking 29th among all states.
The average price per pound for Arizona honey in 2022 was $2.69, indicating a $0.11 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 29th largest among all U.S. states.

Arkansas

In 2022, Arkansas ranked 23rd among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,120,000 pounds.
Arkansas experienced a significant increase in honey production, with a growth of 270,000 pounds since 2021. This 31.76% increase ranked 2nd among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Arkansas was $3,002,000 in 2022, placing the state 25th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Arkansas honey in 2022 was $2.68, reflecting a $0.56 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 15th largest among all U.S. states.

California

In 2022, California ranked 2nd among the states in honey production, with a total of 11,590,000 pounds.
California experienced a significant increase in honey production, with a growth of 2,020,000 pounds since 2021. This 21.11% increase ranked 8th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in California was $3,082,9000 in 2022, placing the state 2nd in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for California honey in 2022 was $2.66, reflecting a $0.24 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 26th largest among all U.S. states.

Colorado

In 2022, Colorado ranked 20th among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,302,000 pounds.
Colorado experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 142,000 pounds since 2021. This 12.24% increase ranked 16th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Colorado was $424,5000 in 2022, placing the state 20th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Colorado honey in 2022 was $3.26, reflecting a $0.25 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 25th largest among all U.S. states.

Florida

In 2022, Florida ranked 5th among the states in honey production, with a total of 7,350,000 pounds.
Florida experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 1,142,000 pounds since 2021. This 13.44% decrease ranked 32nd among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in Florida was $23,888,000 in 2022, placing the state 4th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Florida honey in 2022 was $3.25, reflecting a $0.67 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 10th largest among all U.S. states.

Georgia

In 2022, Georgia ranked 10th among the states in honey production, with a total of 3,296,000 pounds.
Georgia experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 32,000 pounds since 2021. This 0.98% increase ranked 23rd among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Georgia was $10,119,000 in 2022, placing the state 11th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Georgia honey in 2022 was $3.07, reflecting a $0.35 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 21st largest among all U.S. states.

Idaho

In 2022, Idaho ranked 14th among the states in honey production, with a total of 2,726,000 pounds.
Idaho experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 274,000 pounds since 2021. This 9.13% drop ranked 30th among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in Idaho was $7,251,000 in 2022, placing the state 14th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Idaho honey in 2022 was $2.66, reflecting a $0.34 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 22nd largest among all U.S. states.

Illinois

In 2022, Illinois ranked 30th among the states in honey production, with a total of 470,000 pounds.
Illinois experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 10,000 pounds since 2021. This 2.17% increase ranked 22nd among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Illinois was $2,909,000 in 2022, placing the state 27th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Illinois honey in 2022 was $6.19, reflecting a $0.70 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 9th largest among all U.S. states.

Indiana

In 2022, Indiana ranked 27th among the states in honey production, with a total of 567,000 pounds.
Indiana experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 47,000 pounds since 2021. This 9.03% increase ranked 19th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Indiana was $2,897,000 in 2022, placing the state 28th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Indiana honey in 2022 was $5.11, reflecting a $1.02 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 4th largest among all U.S. states.

Iowa

In 2022, Iowa ranked 16th among the states in honey production, with a total of 2,448,000 pounds.
Iowa experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 358,000 pounds since 2021. This 17.12% increase ranked 12th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Iowa was $6,879,000 in 2022, placing the state 15th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Iowa honey in 2022 was $2.81, reflecting a $0.36 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 20th largest among all U.S. states.

Kansas

In 2022, Kansas ranked 33rd among the states in honey production, with a total of 372,000 pounds.
Kansas experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 78,000 pounds since 2021. This 26.53% increase ranked 4th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Kansas was $1,358,000 in 2022, placing the state 39th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Kansas honey in 2022 was $3.65, reflecting a $0.58 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 14th largest among all U.S. states.

Kentucky

In 2022, Kentucky ranked 38th among the states in honey production, with a total of 252,000 pounds.
Kentucky experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 7,000 pounds (2.70%) since 2021. This decrease ranked 27th among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in Kentucky was $1,436,000 in 2022, placing the state 37th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Kentucky honey in 2022 was $5.70, reflecting a $0.78 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 8th largest among all U.S. states.

Louisiana

In 2022, Louisiana ranked 15th among the states in honey production, with a total of 2,562,000 pounds.
Louisiana experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 416,000 pounds since 2021. This 19.38% increase ranked 9th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Louisiana was $6,328,000 in 2022, placing the state 16th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Louisiana honey in 2022 was $2.47, reflecting a $0.02 decrease compared to 2021. This change ranked 32nd among all U.S. states.

Maine

In 2022, Maine ranked 39th among the states in honey production, with a total of 230,000 pounds.
Maine experienced a significant decrease in honey production, with a decline of 144,000 pounds since 2021. This 38.50% drop ranked Maine 37th among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in Maine was $1,493,000 in 2022, placing the state 36th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Maine honey in 2022 was $6.49, reflecting a $3.06 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the largest among all U.S. states.

Michigan

In 2022, Michigan ranked 9th among the states in honey production, with a total of 3,362,000 pounds.
Michigan experienced a significant decrease in honey production, with a decline of 1,738,000 pounds since 2021. This 34.08% decrease puts Michigan at the 36th spot among all U.S. states for honey production change.
The total value of honey production in Michigan was $10,220,000 in 2022, placing the state 10th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Michigan honey in 2022 was $3.04, reflecting a $0.04 increase compared to 2021. This change ranks 31st among all U.S. states.

Minnesota

In 2022, Minnesota ranked 7th among the states in honey production, with a total of 5,202,000 pounds.
Minnesota experienced a significant decrease in honey production, with a decline of 1,923,000 pounds since 2021. This 26.99% drop puts Minnesota just above Michigan at the 35th spot among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in Minnesota was $14,514,000 in 2022, placing the state 7th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Minnesota honey in 2022 was $2.79, reflecting a $0.20 decrease compared to 2021. This change ranks 36th among all U.S. states.

Mississippi

Mississippi experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 220,000 pounds since 2021. This 12.39% increase ranked 15th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Mississippi was $6,244,000 in 2022, placing the state 17th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Mississippi honey in 2022 was $3.13, reflecting a $0.28 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 24th largest among all U.S. states.

Missouri

In 2022, Missouri ranked 34th among the states in honey production, with a total of 328,000 pounds.
Missouri experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 48,000 pounds since 2021. This 17.14% increase ranked 11th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Missouri was $1,683,000 in 2022, placing the state 35th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Missouri honey in 2022 was $5.13, reflecting a $0.64 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 12th largest among all U.S. states.

Montana

In 2022, Montana ranked 4th among the states in honey production, with a total of 7,503,000 pounds.
Montana experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 834,000 pounds since 2021. This 12.51% increase ranked 14th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Montana was $19,808,000 in 2022, placing the state 5th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Montana honey in 2022 was $2.64, reflecting a $0.45 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 18th largest among all U.S. states.

Nebraska

In 2022, Nebraska ranked 18th among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,496,000 pounds.
Nebraska experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 290,000 pounds since 2021. This 16.23% drop ranks 33rd among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in Nebraska was $4,219,000 in 2022, placing the state 21st in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Nebraska honey in 2022 was $2.82, reflecting a $0.34 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 23rd largest among all U.S. states.

New Jersey

In 2022, New Jersey ranked 26th among the states in honey production, with a total of 624,000 pounds.
New Jersey experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 99,000 pounds since 2021. This 18.86% increase ranks 10th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in New Jersey was $2,496,000 in 2022, placing the state 30th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for New Jersey honey in 2022 was $4.00, reflecting a $0.56 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 16th largest among all U.S. states.

New York

In 2022, New York ranked 12th among the states in honey production, with a total of 2,862,000 pounds.
New York experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 159,000 pounds since 2021. This 5.26% drop ranks 28th among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in New York was $10,332,000 in 2022, placing the state 9th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for New York honey in 2022 was $3.61, reflecting a $0.37 decrease compared to 2021. This change ranks 37th among all U.S. states.

North Carolina

In 2022, North Carolina ranked 28th among the states in honey production, with a total of 507,000 pounds.
North Carolina did not see any increase in honey production since 2021. It remained the same. Vermont is the only other state that reported no change in honey production.
The total value of honey production in North Carolina was $3,443,000 in 2022, placing the state 24th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for North Carolina honey in 2022 was $6.79, reflecting a $0.10 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 30th largest among all U.S. states.

North Dakota

In 2022, North Dakota ranked 1st among the states in honey production, with a total of 31,200,000 pounds.
North Dakota experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 2,875,000 pounds since 2021. This 10.15% increase ranked 18th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in North Dakota was $82,056,000 in 2022, placing the state 1st in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for North Dakota honey in 2022 was $2.63, reflecting a $0.40 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 19th largest among all U.S. states.

Ohio

In 2022, Ohio ranked 21st among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,254,000 pounds.
Ohio experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 230,000 pounds since 2021. This 22.46% increase ranked 7th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Ohio was $4,364,000 in 2022, placing the state 19th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Ohio honey in 2022 was $3.48, reflecting a $0.16 decrease compared to 2021. This change ranks 35th among all U.S. states.

Oregon

In 2022, Oregon ranked 8th among the states in honey production, with a total of 3,404,000 pounds.
Oregon experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 738,000 pounds since 2021. This 27.68% increase ranked 3rd among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Oregon was $10,723,000 in 2022, placing the state 8th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Oregon honey in 2022 was $3.15, reflecting a $0.88 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 7th largest among all U.S. states.

Pennsylvania

In 2022, Pennsylvania ranked 24th among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,058,000 pounds.
Pennsylvania experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 218,000 pounds since 2021. This 25.95% increase ranked 5th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Pennsylvania was $6,147,000 in 2022, placing the state 18th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Pennsylvania honey in 2022 was $5.81, reflecting a $1.95 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 3rd largest among all U.S. states.

South Carolina

In 2022, South Carolina ranked 29th among the states in honey production, with a total of 507,000 pounds.
South Carolina experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 123,000 pounds since 2021. This 19.52% drop ranks 34th among all U.S. states in terms of change.
The total value of honey production in South Carolina was $2,930,000 in 2022, placing the state 26th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for South Carolina honey in 2022 was $5.78, reflecting a $0.15 decrease compared to 2021. This change ranks 34th among all U.S. states.

South Dakota

In 2022, South Dakota ranked 6th among the states in honey production, with a total of 7,215,000 pounds.
South Dakota experienced a significant decrease in honey production, with a decline of 5,035,000 pounds since 2021. This 41.10% drop ranks 39th for change among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in South Dakota was $18,615,000 in 2022, placing the state 6th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for South Dakota honey in 2022 was $2.58, reflecting a $0.18 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 27th largest among all U.S. states.

Tennessee

In 2022, Tennessee ranked 31st among the states in honey production, with a total of 423,000 pounds.
Tennessee experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 25,000 pounds since 2021. This 5.58% drop ranks 29th for change among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Tennessee was $2,424,000 in 2022, placing the state 31st in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Tennessee honey in 2022 was $5.73, reflecting a $0.89 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 6th largest among all U.S. states.

Texas

In 2022, Texas ranked 3rd among the states in honey production, with a total of 8,321,000 pounds.
Texas experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 649,000 pounds since 2021. This 8.46% increase ranked 20th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Texas was $27,376,000 in 2022, placing the state 3rd in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Texas honey in 2022 was $3.29, reflecting a $0.97 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 5th largest among all U.S. states.

Utah

In 2022, Utah ranked 22nd among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,196,000 pounds.
Utah experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 173,000 pounds since 2021. This 16.91% increase ranked 13th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Utah was $3,588,000 in 2022, placing the state 22nd in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Utah honey in 2022 was $3.00, reflecting a $0.64 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 11th largest among all U.S. states.

Vermont

In 2022, Vermont ranked 35th among the states in honey production, with a total of 282,000 pounds.
Vermont did not see any change in honey production between 2021 and 2022. It remained the same. North Carolina was the only other state that reported no change in honey production during that time period.
The total value of honey production in Vermont was $1,985,000 in 2022, placing the state 33rd in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Vermont honey in 2022 was $7.04, reflecting a $3.02 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 2nd largest among all U.S. states.

Virginia

In 2022, Virginia ranked 37th among the states in honey production, with a total of 266,000 pounds.
Virginia experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 26,000 pounds since 2021. This 10.83% increase ranked 17th among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Virginia was $2,067,000 in 2022, placing the state 32nd in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Virginia honey in 2022 was $7.77, reflecting a $0.40 decrease compared to 2021. This change ranked 39th among all U.S. states.

Washington

In 2022, Washington ranked 13th among the states in honey production, with a total of 2,752,000 pounds.
Washington experienced a decrease in honey production, with a decline of 320,000 pounds since 2021. This 10.42% decrease ranks 31st for change among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Washington was $8,559,000 in 2022, placing the state 13th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Washington honey in 2022 was $3.11, reflecting a $0.60 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 13th largest among all U.S. states.

West Virginia

In 2022, West Virginia ranked 36th among the states in honey production, with a total of 273,000 pounds.
West Virginia experienced an increase in honey production, with a growth of 15,000 pounds since 2021. This 5.81% increase ranked 21st among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in West Virginia was $1,433,000 in 2022, placing the state 38th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for West Virginia honey in 2022 was $5.25, reflecting a $0.11 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 28th largest among all U.S. states.

Wisconsin

In 2022, Wisconsin ranked 11th among the states in honey production, with a total of 2,915,000 pounds.
Wisconsin experienced a significant increase in honey production, with a growth of 941,000 pounds since 2021. This 47.67% increase ranked 1st among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Wisconsin was $8,862,000 in 2022, placing the state 12th in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Wisconsin honey in 2022 was $3.04, reflecting a $0.05 decrease compared to 2021. This change ranked 33rd among all U.S. states.

Wyoming

In 2022, Wyoming ranked 19th among the states in honey production, with a total of 1,350,000 pounds.
Wyoming experienced a significant decrease in honey production, with a decline of 854,000 pounds since 2021. This 38.75% decrease ranked 38th for change among all U.S. states.
The total value of honey production in Wyoming was $3,564,000 in 2022, placing the state 23rd in terms of production value.
The average price per pound for Wyoming honey in 2022 was $2.64, reflecting a $0.55 increase compared to 2021. This increase ranked as the 17th largest among all U.S. states.

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States Not Mentioned

The USDA did not report any 2022 honey production data for the following states: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island. The number of hobbyist beekeepers within these states is likely too small to be reported.