Alfalfa leafcutting bees, Megachile rotundata, have been used to pollinate seed alfalfa in the US since the 1960’s. A few publications from the 1960’s to the 1980’s have described management techniques and made recommendations for sustainable and often profitable bee production. As the use and commercial business of pollination with alfalfa leafcutting bees grew, however, so did problems with disease and poor reproduction of bee populations, especially in the US. The emergence of low bee yields has prompted independent entrepreneurs and researchers to improve upon the former guidelines. Loss of bee progeny (as much as 60%) occurs in the early stages of egg and larval development from unknown causes, commonly designated as “pollen balls” when no healthy larva can been seen from x-ray analysis of bee cells. Another significant culprit is chalkbrood, a disease detected in later larval stages caused by the fungus, Ascophaera spp. Studies are being conducted to understand “pollen balls” and to more efficiently treat chalkbrood for improved leafcutting bee management. Other related studies are addressing the improvement of nesting ability. Such studies require basic biological questions concerning temperature and humidity as well as management strategies. I will review leafcutting bee management and highlight new studies aimed at improving bee production. Although alfalfa seed growers are most concerned with successful pollination for high seed yields, they are also concerned with the health of the bees they are compelled to purchase or manage.