Is beekeeping legal in Illinois?

Is beekeeping legal in Illinois?

Not all communities allow the keeping of Honey Bees within their communities. Additionally, the State of Illinois requires all Beekeepers follow its rules and regulations as defined in the Bees and Apiaries Act and register their colonies with the Illinois Department of Agriculture within 10 days of starting a colony.

Can you raise bees in Illinois?

Illinois has is a very large state so the state is divided into districts and each district is assigned a part time inspector. Bees and Apiaries Act – This act requires beekeepers to register their colonies with the state. There is no cost of registration.

How much do farmers pay for bees?

Hive rental fees typically range anywhere from a low of around $45, to a high of $200 per hive. Costs will vary based on the type of crop being pollinated, the number of hives needed, the distance that the beekeeper must travel, the price of fuel, and general honeybee availability.

How much do farmers pay for bee pollination?

Per-Colony Fees Figure 2 shows actual and projected almond pollination fees reported by members of the California State Beekeeper’s Association. The 2017 average fee was $184.43. The highest fee reported was $200 and the lowest $165. The average projected fee for 2018 is $190 per colony.

Can I keep bees in my backyard in Illinois?

Hives must be placed in the rear yard or on a roof, 10 feet from all property lines, and 25 feet from occupied structures other than that of the prospective beekeeper. Multifamily dwellings are prohibited. A water source must be placed within 10 feet from hives.

Can you sell honey in Illinois?

markets with no restriction: Per the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act [410 ILCS 620/27], honey is exempt from inspection; however, federal labeling laws must be followed (Page 6).

Is beekeeping considered farming?

Beekeeping (technically called “apiculture”) is considered agriculture based on standard definitions and everyday usage. Beekeeping is also treated as agriculture (or farming) by the Federal and State governments via regulation and tax codes.

How many acres do you need for beekeeping?

Generally speaking, most backyard beekeepers have 1 to 2 acres of land with 2 or 3 bee hives.

How much are bee hives worth?

Cost of supplies. As of this writing, a single new hive may cost about $150, clothing and gear may cost about $160, and a package of new bees may run $125 to $150. Often you can find starter kits with bees, boxes, and gear for a better combined price. Read more about beekeeping supplies.

How much do almond growers pay for beehives?

The average rental fee paid by almond growers is currently over $160/colony. If you do the math, that means total revenue received by United States beekeepers providing pollination services to almond is more than $240 million per year.

How do I start a bee pollination business?

1. Obtain zoning and homeowners’ association approvals.
2. Structure your beekeeping business.
3. Gather region-specific knowledge from professional beekeeper associations to help you maintain your bee colony.
4. Order your beekeeping equipment.
5. Obtain your initial bee colony.
6. Develop markets for your honey and beeswax.

How much land is needed for a bee farm?

How much land does it take to feed one colony of bees? Conventional wisdom suggests that to nourish one colony of honeybees it takes one acre of blossoming trees, shrubs, or flowers to thrive.