The cotton growing environment can be a high risk environment for bees. Periods of extended dry weather can make cotton one of the most attractive sources of pollen and nectar for honey bees, as pollen sources in native vegetation become increasingly scarce. Cotton is recognised by the honey bee industry as a potentially useful feed source for bee breeding and honey production. The reduced reliance on insecticides in the cotton industry has increased the willingness of some hive owners to place bees in close proximity to cotton – meaning growers should be vigilant to the presence of honey bee hives in their area, particularly as honey bees can travel for up to seven kilometres in search of pollen and nectar.