Utah has many apiaries - collections of colonies of bees kept for their honey. It currently ranks 22nd in the United States in honey production. The rope beehive or skep, a historic Mormon symbol, was adopted as the official state emblem in 1959. As the result of the lobbying efforts of a Salt Lake City fifth grade class, the honeybee became the official state insect in 1983. Today, bees are raised in boxes with lids that allow honey removal without harm to the bees. Many Utah honey producers transport their bees to a warmer climate during the winter months. The total number of Utah bee colonies numbered 22,000 in 2002, each yielding an average of 59 pounds per colony.