Alfalfa Leaf-Cutting Bee Certification
The Alfalfa Seed Committee manages this program
and is administratively attached to the Department
of Agriculture. Alfalfa leaf-cutting bees are reared
in Montana primarily for the purpose of pollinating
alfalfa raised for seed. Because of these very efficient
pollinators, alfalfa seed growers can double to
quadruple the amount of seed produced per acre.
Bee diseases and parasites can dramatically decrease
leaf-cutter bee reproduction. Registration and certification
of leaf-cutting bees is a means of providing information
to beekeepers so they can make management decisions
regarding pests.
Laws & Rules:
Montana
Code
Administrative
Rules
Registration contact:
Patricia
Denke or Lynn
Jones Phone: 406-444-5400
Inspection and Laboratory Services contact:
Patricia Denke Phone: 406-444-3730
Fee Requirements:
One time registration fee - $15.00Back to Beekeepers page
Basic laboratory analysis - $30.00 per sample
Sex ratio test - $20.00 per sample
Certification - $30.00/sample (must be an official sample), per diem, mileage, and a $10.00/hour sampling fee
