Honey production per hive varies dramatically based on location, forage quality, colony strength, and season length. National average is around 50-60 lbs per hive, but strong colonies in premium locations can produce 100-200+ lbs. The Dakotas and Montana lead with 80-100+ lb averages, while southern states may yield only 30-50 lbs. This estimator projects your expected harvest for planning and sales.
Estimates based on regional USDA averages adjusted for your management factors. Actual yields vary significantly with weather, bloom timing, and management practices. Leave 60-80 lbs per hive for winter stores in northern climates.
Get AI-powered insights about your honey production estimator results
Ask questions about your current calculator values and get tailored advice.
Save results, track history, integrate with your operation
Get the full Honey Production Estimator inside the PollenOps platform with automatic data syncing, historical tracking, and integration with your hive management dashboard. Free for up to 20 hives.
Free to try. No credit card required. Cancel anytime.
The US national average is about 50-60 lbs of surplus honey per hive. However, this varies enormously. Strong colonies in the Northern Great Plains (Montana, Dakotas) routinely produce 80-120 lbs. Southern states average 30-50 lbs. Exceptional years in prime locations can yield 200+ lbs per hive.
Calculate total annual revenue per hive across all income streams including pollination contracts, honey production, nuc and package bee sales, and wax and propolis products.
Assess honey bee colony strength from frame count, brood pattern quality, bee coverage percentage, and population indicators to determine pollination readiness and overall hive health.
Score potential apiary yard locations on forage quality, water access, vehicle access, sun exposure, wind protection, pesticide risk, and neighbor proximity for optimal hive placement.