Beekeepers to collect bees in Fremont Michigan for spring pollination season
Beekeepers from across the Great Lakes region will gather in Fremont, Michigan, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, to take part in the annual Bee Pick-Up Day organized by Great Lakes Bee Company. This important seasonal event supports agriculture by preparing bees for spring and early summer pollination.
During the event, hundreds of beekeepers will collect five-frame and nine-frame nucleus colonies, along with queen bees, from the Great Lakes Bee Company’s facility located on South Warner Avenue in Fremont. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and marks a key moment in the agricultural calendar as crops and flowers begin to bloom.
Before returning to Michigan, the bees spend winter months working in warmer regions. They help pollinate almond crops in California and assist with hive rebuilding efforts in Georgia. Once they arrive back in Fremont, the bees begin foraging local plants such as basswood, alfalfa, star thistle, and other flowers found across West Michigan.
These bees play a vital role in agriculture by supporting pollination, which helps crops grow and produce food. The work of these bees also results in the production of nearly 150,000 pounds of Michigan honey each year. This honey is sold under several brand names, including Hasselman, Michigan Wild, and SayLa Bee Infused Honey.
In addition to honey production, the bees are hired to pollinate many crops throughout the year. These include almonds early in the year, stone fruits in spring, and cherries, blueberries, pears, and apples later in the season.
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