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Sunday, June 14, 2026
Photos: Minnesota honey producer's beehives
Beekeepers across the U.S. are struggling to keep their colonies alive as their insects face a number of threats, including mites that are increasingly becoming resistant to longstanding treatments. Minnesota honey producers Wes and Jeff Hull have seen their death rates climb to nearly 60% in recent years.
Beekeeper Wes Hull lifts a bee frame out of a box that helps make up one of his hives. (Photo by Noah Wicks)
A look inside one of the boxes that help make up one of Wes Hull's hives. (Photo by Noah Wicks)
Beekeeper Wes Hull points a smoker toward one of his hives, calming the bees inside by disrupting the pheromones they use to communicate. (Photo by Noah Wicks)
Bees sit atop a frame containing honey and beeswax. (Agri-Pulse photo/Noah Wicks)
Frames containing honey and beeswax are on display as Wes Hull lifts up a bee box from one of his hives. (Photo by Noah Wicks)
Beekeeper Wes Hull lifts a tray of honey from one of his bee boxes. (Photo by Noah Wicks).
Beekeeper Wes Hull pulls a frame out of one of his bee boxes. (Photo by Noah Wicks).