Nebraska beekeepers fight to save America's bees amid growing colony collapse

OMAHA, Neb. —

Honey bees across America are facing a crisis that threatens their very existence.

Research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows that Nebraska is among the hardest-hit states, losing as many as 70 to 80% of bee colonies in the past year.

“Bees are really important if you like a diverse diet,” said local beekeeper Mark Welsch.

Welsch began beekeeping nearly 50 years ago and has firsthand experience dealing with the challenges that come with colony collapse.

“Bees are not thriving like they used to,” he said.

While “colony collapse” may sound like every bee is dying, the issue is far more complex. Curious to learn more, I visited the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Colony collapse is not necessarily where the colonies are completely dead,” explained entomologis