By LARRY KERSHNER, Farm News news editor SIOUX CITY – About the only thing that could slow the production of honey in Sioux City would be if the honeybees of the world were to go on strike. Even the slowed economy has had little effect on Sue Bee Honey, touted as the most recognized commercial clover honey in the U.S. with its well-known honey bear bottle. The Sioux Honey Association started in 1921 as a marketing cooperative, an experiment among five Sioux City-area beekeepers. They pooled $200 and 3,000 pounds of honey each. Today, members number 350, one of the largest organized group in the U.S. impacting agriculture. Most of the membership is in the western two-thirds of the U.S. There are eight Iowa members. Members are required to be able to produce a minimum of 40,000 pounds annually, or about a truckload. Bill Huser, vice president of research and development, said that Iowa was once the largest supplier of honey for the company.