Buzz Worthy: Building Resilient Food Systems One Flower at a Time

Pollinators: The Tiny Workforce Behind Our Harvests

We can thank pollinators for at least every third bite of food we eat. Approximately 75% of the world’s flowering plants and 35% of our food crops rely on animal pollinators to reproduce (MT NRCS). They’re essential not only for fruits and vegetables, but also for crops that provide us with spices, medicines, raw materials, and even fabrics.

Beyond their agricultural role, pollinators help maintain plant biodiversity, prevent erosion, and improve water quality. Without them, plant communities would suffer—leading to ripple effects across entire ecosystems and our food systems.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 4,000 species of native wild bees contribute to agricultural pollination in the U.S. Globally, animal pollinators support over $235 billion worth of crops each year. In the U.S. alone, they add more than $34 billion to the economy—$5.4 billion of that from honey bees. The rest? That’s thanks to native pollinators like bumble bees, moths, ants, and butterflies—many of which call Montana home.

Montana’s Crops Depend on Pollinators

In Montana, pollinators are more than just a pretty sight—they’re vital partners in agriculture. Farms across the state rely on pollinators to produce healthy, abundant crops. Native bees, butterflies, moths, flies, birds, and bats work tirelessly to move pollen from flower to flower, ensuring fruit sets and boosting yields.

Montana’s diverse landscapes—from high plains to river valleys—support an impressive variety of pollinator-dependent crops: canola, cherries, berries, melons, pumpkins, and more. These crops not only feed our communities but also contribute significantly to the state’s agricultural economy. Native bees, in particular, are highly effective pollinators and are often better adapted to Montana’s conditions than non-native species.

But pollinators can’t do their work without healthy, functional ecosystems. As urbanization and land use intensify, native vegetation disappears—replaced by lawns, invasive plants, and fragmented habitats. Add in pesticide exposure and climate change, and pollinators face mounting challenges. Bloom times shift, habitats become isolated, and the risk to these essential creatures—and our food system—grows.

How Agriculture Can Support Pollinators—and Benefit in Return

Farmers and land managers are uniquely positioned to lead in pollinator conservation while also boosting long-term productivity. Here are practical, proven ways agriculture can support pollinators—and gain from it:

Recognize and Preserve Existing Habitat – Look around your land—do you have wildflowers, bare soil patches, or shrubs? If so, you might already be providing vital pollinator habitat. Ground-nesting bees rely on undisturbed soil, and diverse flowering plants keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Plant Pollinator Habitat – Establish flowering field margins, hedgerows, or cover crops that bloom at staggered intervals. Use native species adapted to Montana’s climate that are especially beneficial to local pollinators.

Diversify the Landscape – Even small changes make a big difference. Convert unused field corners or waterway buffers into native flowering strips or bunchgrasses. These areas provide nectar, pollen, and shelter—while also improving soil retention and water management.

Reduce Pesticide Pressure – Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Choose pest-resistant crops, time applications to avoid peak pollinator activity, and use targeted or natural pest controls when possible. Many Montana producers already follow IPM plans and have reduced tillage—practices that benefit both soil health and pollinators.

Community Action: Everyone Has a Role

Pollinator-friendly practices aren’t limited to large farms. Gardeners, ranchers, educators, and even students can play a part. Here’s how:

• Plant a Variety of Native Flowers – Include early and late bloomers to provide food all season.
• Leave Ground Bare – Many native bees nest in soil; avoid over-mulching or over-landscaping.
• Skip the Fall Cleanup – Dead stems, leaf litter, and plant debris offer shelter for overwintering bees and butterflies.
• Reduce Pesticide Use – Seek alternatives when possible, and always follow application guidelines.

Resources for Producers and Landowners

Conservation doesn’t have to come at the cost of production—in fact, it often improves it. Multiple programs provide technical support and financial assistance to landowners looking to improve or establish pollinator habitat:

• USDA NRCS Pollinator Resources
• Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
• MSU Extension
• Your Local Conservation District – Ask if they have a Pollinator Initiative
• Montana Bumble Bee Atlas – Citizen science open to ag producers and gardeners alike

These programs offer everything from region-specific planting guides to cost-share opportunities for wildflower plots and native hedgerows.

Field to Fork: A Shared Plate

Montana’s agricultural strength is directly tied to the health of its pollinators. These small creatures may go unnoticed, but their impact is massive—one out of every three bites of food depends on their work.

By creating pollinator-friendly farmscapes and communities, we’re investing in stronger harvests, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient food system. Whether you’re growing for a farmers market, feeding your family, or managing thousands of acres—helping pollinators helps everyone.

Looking for Local Help?

The Gallatin Pollinator Initiative supports residents in creating high-quality pollinator habitat on their land. Whether you’re converting turf into wildflowers or adding a pollinator strip to a farm field, we’re here to help. Visit https://gallatincd.org/gallatin-pollinator-initiative/ to learn how you can create habitat, support pollinators, and build a more resilient Montana—one flower at a time.