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This is Chris Redgrave, the new voice for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Gary Dutson thought it was a news farce. Disappearing bees? That was until it started happening to his honey business that had already been around since 1935.
The phenomenon is called Colony Collapse Disorder. In 2008, it caused a loss of around 19 percent of the country's 2.5 million colonies. The owner of Delta-based Dutson Honey, Gary was no exception; he lost 2,700 hives that year. This is not bees we're talking about — it's entire hives!
At a national convention for American Beekeepers, a scientist gave a theory of why the bees were flying off and dying: a virus was circulating the country and infecting the bees. The theory made so much sense that the room was absolutely silent after his speech, especially since the industry was depending on an immediate fix. Gary followed the example of other honey producers across the United States and was able to stay in business, even if he sold some of his farm to do so.
What a testament to his dedication to his family business. He takes pride in continuing the work his father started. Dutson Honey is currently in 10 different counties in Utah and also in South Dakota, which provide a great variety of honey. He sells to individuals and church groups and in various places around the state. They may even be able to deliver case lots of honey to your home.
I didn't realize that Gary takes his bees to central California in the winter so they can pollinate almond orchards in February and March. The Dutsons have been pollinating for some of the same families for nearly 50 years. This is a classic win-win situation. The bees help the almond farmers by pollinating the almond trees and the Dutsons' beehives become stronger. Plus, they receive a pollination fee.
Dutson Honey now includes Gary's brother, Gil, and his nephew, Chris. They are happy to have people drop by and visit their new honey warehouse in Deseret, about four miles southwest of Delta on Highway 257. It's one of the nicest honey-extracting plants in the state.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
