How to Get Pollination Contracts

Most beekeepers earn money by selling honey and beeswax products.  But there is another lucrative way for beekeepers to earn money – by offering pollination services. 

Much like migratory beekeeping, beekeepers can bring their hives to a field to pollinate crops.  This is beneficial to both the beekeeper and the grower.  Read on to learn how to get pollination contracts. 

What is a Pollination Contract?

A pollination contract is an agreement between a beekeeper and a grower of crops such as fruits or vegetables.  The contract provides terms and details that have the beekeeper bring beehives to the grower’s fields in order to pollinate their crops. 

The contract should specify how many hives the beekeeper must bring, and how long the hives will stay there, as well as payment details.  Pollination contracts are important for growers because they need to ensure proper pollination for a successful harvest. 

How Much Can Beekeepers Earn from Pollination Contracts?

The amount beekeepers can earn from pollination contracts can really vary depending on how many hives they bring, the type of crops, and the area they are located.  It is estimated that in the United States, beekeepers earn anywhere from $50 – $200 per hive used for pollination services. 

How to Get Pollination Contracts

If you are interested in offering pollination services, try the steps below to get pollination contracts.

Research Potential Clients

Look for any crops in your area that would benefit from pollination services. Find out who the growers and farmers are of these crops. 

Determine the pollination needs of these potential growers, such as how many hives would be needed for their crops and how long your hives should stay there. 

Develop a Marketing Plan

Create marketing materials such as a brochure and website to advertise your services. Be sure to highlight your experience, professionalism, quality of your bees and hives, and the benefits of your pollination services. 

You can use multiple marketing channels such as email marketing, flyers, newspaper advertisements, and social media.  

Attend Industry Events

Networking with potential clients is an important part of getting pollination contracts.  Attend agricultural trade shows and events to meet and speak with growers and farmers.  

This will help you establish relationships with potential clients, gain referrals, and learn about the needs of potential clients.  Attending these events are also a good way to learn about industry trends and challenges. 

Build Relationships

A good way to get pollination contracts is by building relationships with current and potential clients. You can do this by understanding your client’s needs and addressing them with a well thought out solution 

Be sure to provide them with information about you and your services so they are able to make informed decisions. 

Offer Competitive Pricing

Because there is a wide range of pricing for pollination services, you need to do some research before setting your prices.  Research the pricing of other pollination services in your area and offer competitive pricing that reflects the quality of your services. s

Maintain High Quality Standards

To do well with your pollination services you must always maintain high quality standards when it comes to your bees.  Make sure the colonies you bring to the crops are healthy and well maintained.  

Follow Up With Clients

Once you have some clients that have worked with you, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.  They can provide you with valuable information to make your services even better.  Consider offering referral incentives to get new clients or even loyalty discounts to get next season’s pollination contract. 

Benefits of Pollination Services for Beekeepers

There are many benefits of offering pollination services for beekeepers.

• Income – Beekeepers can earn a reliable income by obtaining and keeping pollination contracts.
• Healthy Bees – Providing bees with diverse sources of nectar and pollen is good for their health and vitality and can help make them more resistant to pests and diseases. 
• Improved Hive Management – When offering pollination services, healthy bees is a must, so hive management becomes even more important.  Pollination contracts give the beekeeper an opportunity to effectively manage the health and productivity of their colonies. 
• Honey – All of that pollination results in delicious honey.  Beekeepers can sell this honey for additional income. 

Benefits of Pollination Services for Growers

Growers or farmers who use pollination services can experience several benefits. 

• Increased crop yields – Well pollinated crops will produce more abundant yields, which can increase profit for the farmer. 
• Better crop quality – Properly pollinated crops will increase in quality, producing more uniform fruits and vegetables that are resistant to disease. 
• Biodiversity – Bees will not only pollinate the crops they are intended for, bees will pollinate regional wildflowers and plants which are food and homes for local wildlife. 
• Environmental Sustainability – Bees and pollination supports healthy ecosystems, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. 

Summary

Pollination services offer many benefits for both the beekeeper and the grower.  To offer these services the beekeeper must first learn how to get pollination contracts.  These contracts specify the amount of hives the beekeeper must bring and the price.