Pollination

The USDA says bees contribute $15 billion to US agriculture. Economists say the real figure is $34 billion. The gap isn't a rounding error - it's a measurement problem that reveals exactly how much of the food system depends on managed colonies.

A commercial operation with 3,000 colonies grosses $600K-$900K annually. Profit margin is 10-15% in a good year. The truck payment doesn't care about the bees.

Almonds in February, apples in April, blueberries in May, clover in June. Commercial beekeepers drive 1,600+ miles per season chasing bloom and pollination.