Podcasts about Varroa

What happens when a beekeeper with a zoology background, a manufacturing business, and a tendency to question conventional wisdom starts redesigning beekeeping equipment? In this episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Michael Mahar of 21st Bee, an Arkansas beekeeper and manufacturer who has spent years developing his own approach to bees, equipment, and even value-added honey. Michael explains how frustration with assembling and repairing conventional frames led him to design an injection-molded plastic frame intended to withstand years of abuse. He discusses communication passages built into the frames, multiple cell sizes, drone foundation, small-cell foundation, and the practical considerations behind his designs. The conversation then moves into more controversial territory: Michael's small-cell, treatment-free approach to Varroa management. Michael describes the selection process behind his locally adapted colonies, his unusual use of drone brood, and why he believes small-cell comb is only one component of a much larger management system. Becky adds important perspective on the research surrounding cell size and Varroa, while the group emphasizes that management strategies must account for location, colony genetics, neighboring beekeepers, and individual goals. Then things take a completely different turn. Michael reveals his painstaking process for producing bourbon-infused honey using carefully selected bourbon-soaked oak, different char and toast levels, temperature cycling, and months of tasting and adjustment. Frames, Varroa, genetics, bourbon and honey—this conversation covers a remarkable amount of ground. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: 21st Bee Website: https://www.21stbee.com Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Every beekeeper remembers a few stings that stand out above all the rest. This week on Honey Bee Obscura, Dr. Jim Tew and Anne Frey share some of their most memorable experiences with honey bee stings—stories that range from painful to humorous, but all serve as reminders that working with bees always deserves respect. Jim recounts the unforgettable moment when a single bee flew directly into his nostril during an educational demonstration, producing one of the most painful stings of his career. Anne follows with stories of dramatic facial swelling after venturing into the apiary without a veil and discusses how even experienced beekeepers occasionally become a little too confident around their colonies. Together they explain why these memorable incidents are unusual rather than typical, offering reassurance that most bee stings are minor annoyances for experienced beekeepers. They also discuss practical topics including choosing loose-fitting protective clothing, why baggy bee suits reduce the severity of stings, staying hydrated during summer inspections, and avoiding unnecessary risks in the apiary. The episode also highlights how experience teaches humility. Even after decades of working bees, both Jim and Anne emphasize that honey bees deserve respect every time a hive is opened. If you've ever had a sting you'll never forget—or simply want to hear two experienced beekeepers share entertaining stories from years in the apiary—you'll enjoy this week's conversation. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Bees may be small, but their impact on agriculture is enormous. This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Mark Spencer, owner of Spencer Apiaries (SpencerApiaries.com) , for an in-depth conversation about the essential role honeybees play in food production and the challenges they face in today's changing environment.Mark explains the seasonal life of a bee colony, how weather influences bee activity, and why pollinators are critical to the success of farms and gardens alike. The discussion also explores some of the biggest threats to hive health, including pesticides, habitat loss, and the destructive varroa mite, along with the management practices beekeepers use to maintain strong, productive colonies.From sustainable beekeeping and conservation efforts to the economic importance of bees and the products they provide, this episode offers an insightful look into an industry that supports much of the world's food supply. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, or simply curious about the remarkable work of honeybees, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for these indispensable pollinators and the people dedicated to protecting them. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Producers doing what they can to reduce the risk of H5 bird flu spreading from the wild into commercial facilities, South Australian beekeepers call for the Federal Government to increase access to organic varroa treatments, and CSIRO funded to start working on the next strain of calicivirus for release into feral rabbit populations.

In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Amy Vu and Dr. Jamie Ellis discuss varroa biology and pesticide research with Dr. Kirsten Traynor, the director of State Institute of Bee Research in Stuttgart Germany. Check out our website: www.ufhoneybee.com for additional resources from today's episode. 

Education remains one of the most powerful tools available to beekeepers, and few people exemplify that mission better than Amy Vu. As Extension Coordinator for the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab, Amy oversees one of the country's premier Master Beekeeper Programs, co-hosts Two Bees in a Podcast, develops online educational resources, and helps translate university research into practical information for beekeepers everywhere. In this episode, Amy shares her journey from agronomy and soils science to becoming one of the nation's leading honey bee educators. Along the way, she discusses how Extension programs help bridge the gap between research and everyday beekeeping while supporting everyone from beginning hobbyists to commercial operators. Jeff, Becky, and Amy also explore her recent educational expedition to Thailand, where participants studied native honey bee species, observed Tropilaelaps mites in their natural environment, and practiced strict biosecurity measures designed to reduce the risk of introducing invasive pests into North America. The conversation continues with an update on the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab, including Bee College, the Florida Master Beekeeper Program, ongoing research under Dr. Cameron Jack, and the future of the laboratory following Jamie Ellis' transition. Finally, Amy discusses Florida's successful "Leveling Up" initiative, a USDA-supported program helping hobbyist beekeepers build sustainable businesses through business planning, marketing, branding, and value-added hive products. Whether you're managing two colonies or two thousand, this episode offers practical insight into how education, research, and collaboration continue strengthening modern beekeeping Websites from the episode and others we recommend: University of Florida Bee Lab: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Summer heat changes the way both beekeepers and honey bee colonies operate. In this episode, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore what beekeeping in hot weather really means inside and outside the hive. Jim begins by asking a simple question: are bees actually bothered by heat, or is it mostly the beekeeper who suffers? Anne explains that while honey bees evolved in warm climates and are remarkably effective at regulating hive temperature and humidity, beekeepers should think carefully before disturbing colonies that are already working hard to maintain those conditions. The discussion highlights the value of simply observing colony entrances rather than opening hives unnecessarily. Entrance activity, pollen collection, fanning behavior, and bearding all provide valuable information while allowing the colony to continue regulating its environment. Anne also shares practical guidance on managing Varroa mites during hot weather. Different mite treatments have different maximum application temperatures, making product selection especially important during midsummer. She discusses the temperature limitations of Formic Pro®, along with alternatives such as Apiguard®, ApiLife Var®, Apivar®, and repeated oxalic acid dribble treatments depending on colony conditions and local weather. Jim and Anne finish by discussing water sources, climate differences across North America, and practical ways beekeepers can help colonies during periods of prolonged heat while avoiding unnecessary stress on the bees. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Varroaresistenz 2033 I Varroa 2033 - Der Podcast In dieser Folge spricht Marie mit MdL Ralf Nentwich (Landtagsabgeordneter der Grünen in Baden-Württemberg) u.a. über den Koalitionsvertrag des Landes, in dem die Resistenzzucht jetzt fest verankert ist. Eine Blaupause für andere Bundesländer! Mehr über Ralf Nentwich: https://ralfnentwich.de Weitere Infos zu VR 2033 unter https://varroaresistenzprojekt.eu.

Sometimes the most memorable beekeeping stories have very little to do with honey production. This week, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Nehemiah Ray, a Georgia beekeeper whose family's everyday life inspired the Sundance Award-winning documentary The Boys and the Bees. What began as a pest control assignment to remove honey bees from a home unexpectedly launched Nehemiah into beekeeping, live honey bee removals, and eventually a life centered around teaching others about nature, family, and stewardship. Nehemiah recounts learning beekeeping almost entirely through books, YouTube, and experience before joining the Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association. He discusses the challenges of managing honey bee removals, maintaining survivor stock with an emphasis on naturally selected Varroa-resistant genetics, coping with Georgia's difficult weather extremes, and balancing beekeeping with family life and business ownership. The conversation then turns to The Boys and the Bees, the award-winning documentary that follows Nehemiah, his wife Eliza, and their two sons. Rather than simply documenting beekeeping, the film beautifully captures the relationship between a father and his children, the lessons learned from honey bees, and the importance of curiosity, courage, and spending meaningful time together outdoors. Jeff and Becky reflect on one particularly moving scene in which Nehemiah carefully guides his son through receiving his first honey bee sting—a moment that has resonated deeply with audiences and fathers around the world. Whether you're a beekeeper, parent, educator, or simply appreciate stories about family and nature, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that honey bees often teach us as much about ourselves as they do about beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: The Boys and the Bees Website: https://www.raysdwild.com Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Varroaresistenz 2033 I Varroa 2033 - Der Podcast In dieser Folge spricht Marie mit Marcel aus Hamburg. Der Imkerverein Hamburg Altona zeigt wie Varroaresistenz auf Vereinsebene geht und hat diese Jahr eine Aktion zum Verteilen von guter Genetik gestartet. Ein Projekt zum nachmachen! Infos zum Imkerverein Hamburg Altona: https://imkerverein-altona.de Infos zum Hamburger Bienentag: https://www.conferences.uni-hamburg.de/event/749/ Weitere Infos zu VR 2033 unter https://varroaresistenzprojekt.eu.

Removing honey from a hive sounds simple until the supers are full. In this Honey Bee Obscura Archive Special, the late Kim Flottum and Dr. Jim Tew revisit one of the most physically demanding jobs in beekeeping: harvesting honey. They compare their different backyard setups, discuss how they remove bees from honey supers, and explain why careful planning can make the work safer for both the beekeeper and the bees. Kim describes his streamlined approach using eight-frame medium supers, a utility trailer, and an electric leaf blower to clear bees before transporting supers to his garage. Jim, managing more colonies and heavier equipment, shares why he prefers gasoline-powered blowers, heavy protective clothing, plenty of smoke, and equipment positioned within easy lifting distance. The conversation also explores alternatives such as escape boards, bee repellents, and strategies for minimizing drifting bees around neighboring properties. Kim and Jim discuss handling the inevitable bees that accompany harvested supers into the extracting room, and why every beekeeper develops techniques that fit their own operation. As they prepare colonies for late-summer mite treatments and the approaching goldenrod flow, they reflect on the considerable work required to harvest honey—and why every gifted jar of honey should be appreciated as the product of countless hours of labor by both beekeeper and bees. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

What can beekeepers learn from Australia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Georgia, and Thailand? This week Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Robert Owen, beekeeper, educator, researcher, author, and international consultant, for a wide-ranging conversation about honey bees, beginning beekeeping, queen breeding, honey bee genetics, disease management, and global beekeeping practices. Robert shares the remarkable story of purchasing his first colony in Australia, building a successful beekeeping supply company, earning a PhD in honey bee genetics, and writing several influential beekeeping books. The discussion explores his newest publication, Beekeeping Success: Start Right, Grow Strong Colonies and Harvest More Honey, which was designed as a practical field guide organized around the questions beekeepers most frequently ask. Listeners will also hear Robert's perspective on Varroa management in Australia, emerging concerns surrounding Tropilaelaps mites, international bee health programs, integrated pest management, queen isolation techniques, and the importance of collaboration among beekeepers worldwide. From migratory pollination in Australia to beekeeping development projects in Africa and Asia, this conversation offers a fascinating global perspective on honey bee management and the future of beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Robert Owen's Book on Amazon: Beekeeping Success: Start Right, Grow Strong Colonies, Harvest More Honey Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

En la entrevista del programa La Miel en tu radio conversamos con el Apic. Mariano Chaparro- CEA nº 27 Tapalqué 11/7/2026. Quien nos comparte toda la información sobre su mirada la jornada de capacitación apícola sobre la Varroa bajo control: claves actuales para un manejo eficaz y responsable", a cargo del Vet. Matías Toledo (APILAB), y "Monitoreo de varroa de las UDA", presentada por Mariano Chaparro (CEA N.° 27) y Leandro Frígoli (INTA Azul – PROAPI) el próximo viernes 17 de julio en el CEA n°27 de Tapalqué.

UBO, PKB, FKB, mite washes, Harbo assays... It's an alphabet soup out there of ways to test your bees for hygienic traits and resistance to varroa. You may be testing to find out when to apply mite treatments or a brood break to a colony and in that case a simple mite wash is usually enough. But you may be testing to find out your very best genetics you have to raise next years queens for your yards and in that case, you probably need need more information than a mite wash provides. Or do you? Do these assays work, how reliably do they work and which one is the most reliable, if any? Ang Roell and Bi Kline of They Keep Bees are working to find out with a new NE SARE grant comparison study. Today Ang and I talk about the cornucopia of testing methods that each have their complications and limitations. We'll also find out what Ang and Bi will explore in this ongoing study. Plus, we chat bees, of course. :-) Hope you enjoy this weeks episode! kind regards, Leigh The Study (read the full grant proposal and study design here) In 2025 national honey bee losses exceeded 60% in commercial beekeeping operations. Miticide resistance was discovered in 100% of tested samples, highlighting an urgent need for biology-based strategies that reduce chemical dependence while strengthening colony resilience. This project evaluates the reliability and heritability of four major hygienic behavior assays, in order to determine which methods best predict mite resistance and overwinter survival. We will compare assay performance in twelve breeder colonies (six selected, six controls) and their untreated F1 daughters. Across two seasons, all colonies will undergo standardized rounds of UBO, PKB, and FKB testing, as well as mite washes and Harbo assays. By analyzing correlations among assay scores, mite loads, reproductive mite presence, and overwinter survival, we will identify which tools reliably capture heritable Varroa-resistant traits and which factors influence assay consistency. This project addresses a documented need for effective selection tools that help beekeepers identify and propagate Varroa-resistant stock. Results will be shared through a report, digital outreach, and a presentation at Cornell's Dyce Lab. A hands-on workshop at They Keep Bees will train beekeepers to practice each assay method. By providing evidence-based guidance to at least 100 beekeepers, the project aims to enable measurable improvements such as higher overwinter survival and reduced reliance on miticides. Project objectives from proposal: Primary Research Questions Do pin-killed brood (PKB), freeze-killed brood using liquid nitrogen (FKB), and unhealthy brood odor (UBO) assays provide predictive measures of heritable mite-resistant traits in F1 daughter queens? Are these assays also predictive of overall colony mite loads and winter survival outcomes? Winter survival will be defined as survival from August of year 1 until March of year 2. Thank you to the patrons who keep this podcast available to all (and they also get extra goodies as a thank you for the support). Not a patron yet? Please join us at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple  

As summer temperatures climb across much of North America, Dr. Jim Tew reflects on what extreme heat means for both honey bees and the people who care for them. Speaking from his Ohio bee yard during an intense July heat wave, Jim shares why years of experience—and a healthy respect for aging—have changed how he approaches midsummer beekeeping. Rather than opening colonies simply to satisfy curiosity, Jim explains why strong colonies should often be left alone during periods of excessive heat, allowing the bees to maintain the carefully regulated temperatures they need inside the hive. He also discusses practical ways beekeepers can adjust their own work schedules by borrowing lessons from earlier generations who routinely worked outdoors before the day's highest temperatures. The conversation then shifts to an often-overlooked subject: ants. Drawing from decades of beekeeping in both Alabama and Ohio, Jim explores the surprisingly complex relationship between ants and honey bee colonies. While ants are commonly viewed as pests, Jim describes situations where they may actually provide ecological benefits by cleaning hive debris and helping suppress wax moth infestations in dead colonies. Finally, Jim reflects on adapting both his beekeeping and his bee yard to changing physical abilities. Rather than striving for perfectly manicured apiaries, he shares his evolving philosophy of working with nature, maintaining accessible pathways through a more natural landscape while continuing to enjoy the bees that have shaped so much of his life. _____________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Honey bee nutrition is more complex than simply providing protein. In this episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Vincent Ricigliano to discuss emerging research exploring algae-based supplemental diets, functional feeds, RNA interference technologies, and new approaches to supporting colony health. Vincent explains how microalgae such as spirulina and chlorella may help improve supplemental feeding by providing highly bioavailable proteins, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and micronutrients that more closely resemble natural pollen. The discussion explores how modern nutritional science can help create more complete diets for honey bees. The conversation also examines RNA interference (RNAi) technologies, including approaches designed to suppress viral pathogens and potentially manage Varroa mites. Vincent shares insights into ongoing research involving antiviral RNA delivery systems, sustainable production methods, and future biotechnology tools that may complement integrated pest management strategies. Along the way, the discussion touches on pollinator health, commercial beekeeping collaborations, miticide resistance, and the continuing search for practical tools that improve colony resilience under modern beekeeping conditions. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Sometimes honey bees choose unusual places to live. In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew visits the property of longtime bee lab colleague Sherry to examine a remarkably small colony that has established itself completely exposed on a fallen tree branch near a blueberry and elderberry planting. The colony consists of only a few combs suspended in the open, just inches above the ground, with no cavity protection and little chance of surviving winter without intervention. Jim and Sherry discuss how small swarms occasionally abandon their search for a suitable nesting cavity, why this colony may have settled where it did, and what would be required to transfer the bees into conventional equipment. They review traditional cut-out methods, comb transfer techniques, feeding requirements, and the challenges of helping an exposed colony survive. Along the way, Jim explores concepts such as swarm behavior, scout bee decision-making, nest site selection, and stigmergy while considering whether this tiny colony can be given a second chance. Will the bees remain where they are, or will they eventually be moved into a nucleus hive? Jim and Sherry share their observations and discuss what may happen next. _____________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

The ACCC fines a major dairy producer over allegations it misled consumers on fresh milk labels, calls for more resources to tackle the management of buffel grass in SA, and researchers investigating using spider venom to attack the parasitic 'Varroa destructor' mite.

Changes arrive to wages, superannuation, food labelling, and fuel charges with the start of a new financial year, bee industry representatives meet at an emergency roundtable to discuss managing varroa mite, and SA's duck season closes on schedule amid advice to monitor birds for potential signs of bird flu.

In this episode of Beekeeping Today, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman continue the Queen Series with Dr. Jack Rath, former owner of Betterbee, veterinarian, beekeeper, and queen breeder. The conversation focuses on instrumental insemination of honey bee queens, a highly technical process used to support selective breeding and maintain valuable honey bee genetics. Jack explains how he moved from beekeeping as a high school student to veterinary medicine, queen rearing, and eventually instrumental insemination. Drawing on his experience with reproductive work in cattle and horses, he describes both the similarities and major differences between livestock breeding and honey bee breeding. The discussion explores why instrumentally inseminated queens are usually considered breeder queens, how queen breeders select for traits such as Varroa resistance, gentleness, honey production, and overwintering ability, and why drone selection is just as important as queen selection. Jack also walks through the timing required to produce virgin queens, collect drones, harvest semen, inseminate queens, and provide proper aftercare. He explains why the process requires careful colony management, strong organizational skills, good timing, and a steady hand. The episode also touches on the importance of genetic diversity, the limits of selecting for a single trait, and why queen breeders must balance desirable characteristics without narrowing their breeding stock too far. Whether you are a backyard beekeeper curious about where queens come from or an experienced beekeeper interested in breeding programs, this conversation offers a clear, practical look at one of the most specialized skills in modern beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

SA egg producers take measures to keep their flocks safe from the growing risk of bird flu, an emergency roundtable called to find the next actions on managing varroa mite, and Australian consumers driving a surge in demand for olive oil.

Summer heat brings a familiar sight to many beekeepers: honey bees clustered outside the hive entrance, hanging from the landing board, and covering the front of the colony. In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew reflects on what beekeepers often call "bearding" and shares memories from decades of working bees in the heat of the Deep South. Jim explains why colonies gather outside during hot weather and why this behavior is often a normal part of colony temperature regulation rather than a sign of trouble. From long days in Alabama bee yards to late-night pollination moves, he recalls the challenges of managing large colonies when temperatures remain high long after sunset. Along the way, Jim shares stories about moving bees for pollination, dealing with protective clothing before modern ventilated suits existed, encountering rattlesnakes and black widow spiders in remote bee yards, and learning valuable lessons from commercial beekeepers about transporting colonies safely. The discussion also turns to the many other creatures attracted to an apiary. Deer, raccoons, skunks, bears, spiders, and countless other animals often become part of the larger ecosystem surrounding honey bee colonies. Part practical beekeeping discussion and part personal reflection, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how honey bees cope with summer heat and how a lifetime of beekeeping experiences can be triggered by something as simple as a cluster of bees gathered outside the hive on a warm evening. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Beekeepers often think of wax production as something that simply happens when colonies build comb. But what if bees are constantly moving wax throughout the hive, recycling it from one location to another as colony needs change? This week, Jeff and Becky welcome Massachusetts beekeeper Dave Wade to discuss his observations and experiments exploring how honey bees utilize and relocate wax within the colony. Dave's journey into beekeeping began nearly twenty years ago when concerns about pollination of backyard fruit trees led him to a local bee school. Since then, he has become an active member of the Worcester County Beekeepers Association and developed a reputation for practical experimentation and careful observation in the bee yard. The discussion focuses on Dave's work providing supplemental wax directly to colonies. Using strips and rolls of beeswax foundation placed inside frames, Dave has observed colonies rapidly incorporating the wax into comb construction, brood nest expansion, honey storage, and comb repairs. His experiments suggest that bees readily utilize available wax resources, especially later in the season when natural wax production slows. Dave shares results from several years of observations, including the use of colored wax to visually track wax movement within colonies. Collaborating with researchers including Dr. David Tarpy, Dr. Michael Smith, and Dr. David Peck, Dave has documented evidence that bees relocate wax significant distances throughout the hive, supporting brood rearing, honey capping, and comb construction. The conversation explores seasonal wax production, comb reduction, honey-bound colonies, package bee development, plastic versus wax foundation, and practical methods beekeepers can use to encourage comb building later in the season. Dave also discusses how supplemental wax may reduce colony energy expenditures and potentially improve colony productivity. Whether you're establishing new colonies, drawing foundation, managing honey-bound hives, or simply fascinated by honey bee behavior, this episode offers a fresh look at one of the colony's most important building materials. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

The Honey Bee Health Coalition just released the 9th edition of the  Varroa Management Guide. For many beekeepers, this guide has become the go-to reference for cutting through misinformation and focusing on proven, research-backed practices. With this latest edition, the Coalition has made meaningful updates that reflect the increasing difficulty of controlling Varroa, even when best practices are followed. One of the most important changes is the adjustment of treatment thresholds. Becky points out that previous thresholds may not have been aggressive enough, particularly in environments where reinfestation pressure is high. The updated guide now takes a more responsive approach, incorporating seasonal context and more precise mite level guidance. In addition, the guide expands treatment options and improves decision-making frameworks. It integrates key variables such as temperature, brood presence, and honey production timing—helping beekeepers choose the right treatment at the right time while minimizing unintended consequences. Jeff emphasizes the ongoing challenge Varroa presents in the apiary, reinforcing the need for reliable guidance grounded in science. Together, he and Becky encourage listeners to download and study the updated guide, making it a central part of their Varroa management strategy. This short episode serves as both an announcement and a reminder: effective Varroa management requires staying current, adapting strategies, and relying on trusted resources. Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Concerns for farmland and water as AI data centres proposed for rural SA, Farina Station is the state's far north sells at auction for $2.75million amid strong interest, and Australian research continues to find new non-chemical methods to control varroa mite.

The North American Honey Bee Expo is expanding for 2027, and organizer Kamon Reynolds joins Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman to share what attendees, educators, and prospective speakers can expect at next year's event. Kamon discusses the Expo's continued growth, plans for additional presentation rooms, expanded educational tracks, and a formal call for speaker submissions. The goal is to broaden the range of topics available to attendees by introducing new subject areas, specialized beekeeping interests, emerging research, honey production techniques, fermentation with honey, honey shows, and other educational opportunities that may not fit traditional conference programming. The conversation also highlights the new Beginning Beekeeping Short Course being developed in partnership with Beekeeping Today. Designed specifically for newer beekeepers, the course will provide foundational instruction while helping participants take advantage of the broader educational opportunities available throughout the Expo. Kamon explains what he looks for when selecting speakers, emphasizing practical value, educational quality, and effective presentation skills. He encourages researchers, commercial beekeepers, sideliners, specialty hive practitioners, honey judges, and innovative beekeepers of all experience levels to submit proposals. Additional discussion covers attendance growth, hotel accommodations, expanded Thursday programming, international outreach, support for Australian beekeepers dealing with Varroa, and the importance of building community through large-scale beekeeping events. Whether you're interested in presenting, attending, networking, or expanding your beekeeping knowledge, this episode provides an early look at what's planned for the 2027 North American Honey Bee Expo. Registration and conference information can be found at: North American Honey Bee Expo Speaker Series Application Aussie Outreach ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Honey Bee Obscura Archive Special, Jim Tew and Kim Flottum revisit an important topic that becomes increasingly relevant as summer progresses: working bees in the heat of summer. As colonies reach peak population and honey supers become heavier, beekeeping becomes more physically demanding. Jim reflects on how beekeeping changes between the pleasant days of spring and the demanding conditions of midsummer, when heat, humidity, heavier equipment, and defensive colonies can turn routine inspections into challenging work. Drawing on article research and discussions conducted with the late Ann Harman, Kim explains the physiological dangers associated with working bees in hot weather. The discussion covers heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, including warning signs that beekeepers should recognize before serious medical issues develop. Kim emphasizes that heat-related illness can affect beekeepers of any age and experience level. The conversation explores practical strategies for reducing heat stress while working colonies, including scheduling inspections during cooler parts of the day, taking advantage of shade, staying hydrated before and during bee work, using modern ventilated veils, carrying water into the apiary, and recognizing when conditions require stopping work and returning another day. Jim and Kim also discuss the importance of safety planning, particularly for beekeepers working alone. Topics include informing family members of bee yard locations, carrying communication devices, understanding emergency response considerations, and avoiding the temptation to push through fatigue simply to finish a task. Although originally recorded years ago, the advice remains highly relevant for beekeepers facing summer temperatures, humidity, and physically demanding colony management tasks. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Fuel and fertiliser concerns push SA farmer confidence into negative territory despite a better season rainfall-wise, research into an alternative to shearing to remove sheep fleece enters a new phase, and beekeepers gather at the SA Apiarists Association Conference to hear challenges & opportunities in varroa treatment.

Three more government-backed urea shipments expected to arrive for Australian farmers in the coming weeks, a fertiliser importer says the government's intervention has distorted the market and hurt competition, and PIRSA confirms the detection of treatment resistant varroa mite in the Riverland.

Moving package bees across North America is a specialized business that most beekeepers never see firsthand. In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Chris Hansen of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, a longtime beekeeper, bee supplier, and professional package bee hauler, to discuss the unique challenges of transporting thousands of honey bees safely across the country. Chris shares how his beekeeping journey began nearly thirty years ago and how a small sideline operation gradually expanded into bee sales, a beekeeping supply business, and eventually a dedicated package bee transportation company. What started as a necessity to move his own bees evolved into a specialized service trusted by beekeepers throughout the United States. The conversation explores the science and logistics of package bee transportation, including airflow management, temperature control, loading and unloading procedures, route planning, driver coordination, and the importance of minimizing stress on the bees during transit. Chris explains how years of experience and trial-and-error led to the development of specialized trailers designed specifically to move large numbers of package bees safely over long distances. Chris also discusses the realities of operating a trucking business, including fuel costs, regulatory requirements, equipment investments, driver recruitment, and the responsibility that comes with transporting living livestock. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from early failures and the continual refinements that have improved bee survival and package quality. Before the interview, Jeff and Becky discuss honey super timing, spring nectar flows, colony growth, swarm prevention, and answer a listener question about common misconceptions among third-year beekeepers. Whether you manage two colonies or two thousand, this episode provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of the least-discussed but most essential parts of modern beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Hansen's Honey Farm website: https://hansenhoneyfarm.com Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Dr. Jim Tew walks back to his bee yard after several days of rain and immediately confronts a familiar challenge: grass and weeds that have grown well beyond manageable height. What begins as a discussion about mowing quickly becomes a thoughtful examination of aging, beekeeping alone, and adapting expectations to changing circumstances. Jim candidly shares the realities of maintaining an apiary at seventy-eight years old. Managing thirteen thriving colonies, coping with allergies, operating equipment in summer heat, and maintaining property without assistance all raise practical questions about how beekeeping changes over time. Rather than seeking sympathy, Jim explores the adjustments that many longtime beekeepers eventually face as physical limitations become part of the craft. The discussion turns to vegetation management around the apiary, including his experiences with naturally occurring wildflower growth, the challenges of maintaining access paths, and his decision to avoid herbicides despite their widespread historical use in beekeeping operations. Jim reviews current discussions surrounding glyphosate and reflects on changing attitudes toward chemical weed control. Along the way, he provides updates on two recently captured swarms, discusses the resilience of small colonies, and shares observations about natural comb construction. His curiosity about how bees build and reinforce comb leads to broader thoughts on natural nest architecture, propolis use, and how much traditional beekeeping may have overlooked about honey bee biology. Throughout the episode, Jim offers an honest and personal perspective on continuing to care for bees later in life while balancing practical realities, physical limitations, and a lifelong fascination with honey bees. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Amy Vu and Dr. Jamie Ellis discuss Varroa biology, evolution, and control with Dr. Nurit Eliash, Research Fellow at the Honey Bees & Mites Lab at the University of Haifa in Israel. Check out our website: www.ufhoneybee.com for additional resources from today's episode. 

Jennie Durant, PhD, joins Beekeeping Today to discuss her new book, Bitter Honey: Big Ag's Threat to the Bees and the Fight to Save Them. Drawing from more than fifteen years of research, interviews, and fieldwork, Jennie explores the complex relationship between commercial beekeeping and modern agriculture. She shares how her interest in honey bees began during her graduate studies in the Philippines and eventually led to a PhD focused on the challenges facing managed pollinators in large-scale agricultural systems. Jennie discusses the evolution of commercial beekeeping in response to the growing demand for almond pollination and how intensified management practices—including supplemental feeding, migratory pollination, and aggressive mite control—have become necessary to maintain colony health and profitability. She explains how habitat loss, monoculture agriculture, pesticide exposure, climate change, and economic pressures have created a difficult environment for both beekeepers and bees. The conversation also explores the often-contentious discussions surrounding honey bees and native pollinators. Jennie emphasizes that habitat loss is the underlying issue affecting all pollinators and advocates for expanding forage resources rather than framing the discussion as a competition between species. Becky and Jeff discuss the importance of habitat restoration, pollinator-friendly land management, and the role beekeepers can play in supporting broader conservation efforts. Jennie highlights organizations such as the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund and discusses practical actions individuals can take to improve forage availability for pollinators. She also shares stories gathered while researching the book, including the challenges commercial beekeepers have faced in obtaining effective mite treatments over the years. Throughout the discussion, Jennie provides a thoughtful and balanced perspective on the realities facing modern beekeeping while offering hope through examples of innovative habitat projects, conservation programs, and collaborative efforts aimed at improving conditions for managed and native bees alike. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Bitter Honey: Big Ag's Threat to the Bees and the Fight to Save Them on Amazon Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Australia on track to produce the nation's biggest ever crop of lentils, a new report finds Australian ag "desperately under prepared" for a shortage of honey bee pollination, and South Australians recognised for their contribution to the ag sector in King's Birthday honours.

Ακούστε την εβδομαδιαία ανταπόκριση από την ΒρισβάνηΟι μελισσοκόμοι του Κουίνσλαντ αντιμετωπίζουν σοβαρές οικονομικές επιβαρύνσεις λόγω των παρασιτικών ακάρεων βαρρόα, καθώς μελισσοκομίες καταστρέφονται.Τον Μάρτιο του 2025, το Varroa destructor εμφανίστηκε για πρώτη φορά σε κυψέλες μελισσών στο Κουίνσλαντ. Πιστεύεται ότι το παρασιτικό αυτό είναι θανατηφόρο για τις ευρωπαϊκές μέλισσες και μεταφέρθηκε στο Scenic Rim από τη Νέα Νότια Ουαλία, η οποία αντιμετωπίζει το πρόβλημα από το 2022. Μόλις ένα χρόνο αργότερα, εκτιμάται ότι το 90% των αποικιών άγριων μελισσών στη νοτιοανατολική Κουίνσλαντ έχει καταρρεύσει, ενώ σχεδόν όλες οι διαχειριζόμενες αποικίες δίνουν μάχη επιβίωσης. Οι δυτικοευρωπαϊκές μέλισσες βρίσκονται στην Αυστραλία εδώ και 200 χρόνια και είναι υπεύθυνες για το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της επικονίασης που απαιτείται για την καλλιέργεια τροφίμων. Τα μακαντάμια, τα μάνγκο και τα αβοκάντο είναι μερικά από τα προϊόντα του Κουίνσλαντ που εξαρτώνται περισσότερο από αυτές.Νέες θεραπείες κατά της βαρρόα είναι ήδη διαθέσιμες στο εξωτερικό και η αυστραλιανή κυβέρνηση εργάζεται για την έγκρισή τους. -Η Επιτροπή του Ελληνικού Ραδιοφωνικού Προγράμματος του Πολυεθνικού Σταθμού 4EB της πόλης μας καλεί και φέτος την Ελληνική Παροικία να συνεχίσει την εγγραφή της στον εν λόγω σταθμό, έτσι ώστε να συνεχίζει να μεταδίδεται η ελληνική φωνή και τα προγράμματά του στις καθιερωμένες ώρες εκπομπής.Επίσης, μέλη των ελληνικών προγραμμάτων του 4EB θα βρίσκονται στις ελληνικές εκκλησίες της πόλης μας κάθε Κυριακή πρωί, για επανεγγραφή ή εγγραφή νέων μελών στον πολυεθνικό σταθμό.

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew heads into the bee yard to check on five package colonies installed earlier in the spring. What begins as a routine inspection quickly becomes a reminder of how rapidly healthy colonies can develop during a favorable season. Each colony is thriving, filling its equipment and signaling that additional space will soon be needed to prevent overcrowding and potential swarming. Jim also revisits a topic familiar to many beekeepers: heavily propolized colonies. After several challenging years that limited regular hive inspections, he discusses the realities of managing frames that have become firmly glued in place. This leads to a field test of an oscillating multi-tool as a possible aid for cutting through propolis and freeing stuck frames. Working directly in the apiary, Jim evaluates whether the tool offers practical value or is simply another interesting beekeeping experiment. Along the way, he shares observations about package colony growth, the effects of warm weather on propolis consistency, the challenges of working with plastic frames in heavily propolized colonies, and his continuing curiosity about beekeepers who successfully manage colonies in a single deep brood chamber. As always, Jim combines practical observations, honest field notes, and thoughtful questions from a lifetime of beekeeping experience. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this spring 2026 edition of Regional Beekeepers, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome a familiar panel of beekeepers from across North America to compare notes on how the season is unfolding in their respective regions. Joining the discussion are Ang Roell (Northeast), Bonnie Morse (Northern California), Duane Combs (Arizona), Jay Williams (Tennessee), and Paul Longwell (Pacific Northwest). The conversation highlights the remarkable regional differences in weather, nectar flows, colony buildup, and honey production. Duane reports one of Arizona's best honey seasons in decades following unusually wet conditions, while Bonnie describes strong honey production in California alongside increasing concerns about Varroa mites and small hive beetles. Ang shares updates on queen breeding and a new research project examining the heritability of Varroa-sensitive hygiene traits. Jay discusses challenges caused by a difficult winter, late queen production, and his early experiences with the new mite-control product Norroa. Varroa management remains a central topic, with panelists comparing treatment strategies, discussing oxalic acid applications, Formic Pro, VarroxSan, and emerging approaches to mite control. The conversation naturally expands into small hive beetles, producing both practical advice and several memorable stories from the field. The group also shares lessons learned from mistakes, unexpected setbacks, and successful innovations. Topics range from hurricane recovery and extreme desert heat to transporting bees, honey marketing, 3D-printed beekeeping tools, agritourism experiences, honey tastings, and bee-centered wellness programs. As always, the Regional Beekeepers episode provides a valuable snapshot of beekeeping conditions across the continent while highlighting the creativity, resilience, and good humor of working beekeepers. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Jim Tew welcomes his grandson, Will Laditka, back to Honey Bee Obscura for a candid conversation about the realities of learning beekeeping as a young beginner. Will reflects on losing his first colonies, the emotional impact of what initially appeared to be American Foulbrood, and how those difficult experiences ultimately strengthened his understanding of honey bee management. Jim and Will discuss the importance of learning through setbacks, the challenge of managing Varroa, and why resilience is one of the most important qualities for new beekeepers. The discussion also explores how beekeeping intersects with education and communication. Will shares how he recently used beekeeping as the subject of a college speech presentation, explaining basic hive equipment, bee communication, pheromones, and colony behavior to classmates unfamiliar with bees. The conversation highlights how honey bees can engage audiences far outside traditional beekeeping circles. Jim and Will also compare beginner beekeeping experiences across generations. Jim reflects on the simplicity and affordability of starting beekeeping decades ago, while Will explains how modern equipment costs and management expectations can make entering the hobby more difficult for younger beekeepers today. Together, they discuss how beekeeping has evolved while still maintaining the same lessons of patience, observation, and continual learning. This episode offers thoughtful perspective for beginning beekeepers, especially younger listeners navigating the steep learning curve of modern honey bee management. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Beekeeping Today welcomes back two familiar voices in honey bee education: Dr. Robyn Underwood and Ana Heck. Together, they discuss the growing role of the Apicultural Extension Educators of America (AEEA) and how extension professionals are helping connect beekeepers with trusted, science-based information across the United States. Jeff and Becky begin the episode with a seasonal conversation about swarming management and aggressive spring splitting strategies before turning to this week's Hive IQ listener question on introducing mated queens successfully into colonies. Ana and Robyn share practical field-tested approaches for improving queen acceptance, including push-in cages, timing considerations, queen cage positioning, and the importance of confirming colonies are truly queenless before introducing a new queen. The discussion then shifts to extension education itself — what extension educators do, why they matter, and how they serve as a bridge between university research and practical beekeeping application. Ana and Robyn explain how AEEA grew from informal monthly "happy hour" discussions into a collaborative national network of extension educators, researchers, inspectors, and outreach professionals sharing resources, programs, and educational materials. Listeners will also learn about the new AEEA website, future plans for regionally organized educational resources, and why many states still lack dedicated apiculture extension positions. Becky highlights the value these programs provide to local beekeepers, while Jeff encourages listeners to support and advocate for extension resources within their own states. This episode offers valuable insight into the people working behind the scenes to improve beekeeper education, strengthen honey bee health outreach, and make trusted information more accessible nationwide. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Apicultureal Extension Educators of America (AEEA):  https://www.bee-educated.org Penn State Extension Beekeeping Resources: https://extension.psu.edu/beekeeping-resources Michigan State University Pollinator Initiative: https://pollinators.msu.edu BeeSwarm.org on Beekeeping Today: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/381-bee-swarmed-with-mateo/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this final installment of the "Wayward Swarm" saga, Dr. Jim Tew and Jason Ferrell return to the colony that has caused more trouble, worry, and excitement than either expected. After multiple attempts to recover and hive the swarm — including ladders, falls, cold weather, bee vacuums, overloaded trap cages, and weeks of uncertainty — Jim finally opens the hive for the first inspection. What they discover surprises both of them. Despite losing a significant number of bees during the ordeal and never once seeing the queen after the swarm was collected, the colony survived. Jim and Jason find eggs and young larvae spread across multiple frames, confirming that the queen successfully survived the swarm capture, the transfer, and the difficult conditions that followed. Along the way, Jim reflects on how quickly beekeeping can shift from "not enough bees" to "too many bees," especially after unexpectedly strong overwintered colonies and package installations. He also shares thoughts on aging in the bee yard, the realities of ladder work, swarm management decisions, and the unpredictable nature of small mating swarms. The discussion also touches on package colony buildup, swarm behavior, queen survival, feeding small colonies, and the strange tendency for swarms to revisit the same locations. Mostly, though, this episode captures the humor, frustration, and satisfaction that often accompany real-world beekeeping. As Jim says, this may well become "a beautiful three or four segment issue on how not to hive a swarm." ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Ang Roell of They Keep Bees joins Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman for another installment of the Beekeeping Today Podcast Queen Series. Ang shares the story behind building a migratory queen breeding operation and explains how years of working with Carniolan, Russian, and hygienic stock shaped the breeding philosophy behind their Massachusetts-based apiary. The conversation explores the realities of raising queens professionally, including drone saturation, mating yards, queen cells, virgins, instrumental insemination, and the challenges of selecting for Varroa-sensitive hygienic behavior while maintaining strong overwintering performance in northern climates. Ang discusses how They Keep Bees evaluates breeder queens using hygienic testing, mite washes, and Harbo assays, while also participating in collaborative research projects examining the heritability of hygienic traits. Jeff and Becky also discuss the growing interest in queen cells and virgin queens among smaller-scale beekeepers and why understanding these systems can improve overall beekeeping management. Ang explains practical approaches to walkaway splits, late-season nucleus production, and why there is no "silver bullet" queen when it comes to Varroa management. Throughout the episode, Ang emphasizes the importance of curiosity, experimentation, collaboration between scientists and working beekeepers, and building locally adapted stock that thrives within regional nectar flows and winter conditions. It is an insightful conversation for beekeepers interested in genetics, queen production, sustainable stock selection, and the future of honey bee breeding. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: They Keep Bees: https://theykeepbees.com SARE (Sustianable Agricultural Research and Education):  https://www.sare.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this third installment of The Wayward Swarm, Jim Tew returns to the now-infamous swarm hanging high in a tree after days of cold rain and falling temperatures. Joined by longtime beekeeper friend Jason Ferrell, Jim attempts one final rescue effort for what may be one of the largest — and most ill-fated — swarms either of them has encountered. What follows is raw, field-recorded beekeeping under miserable spring conditions. With temperatures hovering near 40°F, rain moving through, and the cluster weakening by the hour, Jim and Jason attempt an improvised bee vacuum recovery involving ladders, extension cords, slippery footing, failing equipment, and more determination than good judgment. Along the way, listeners hear the difficult reality of swarm survival, the limits of intervention, and the emotional pull that keeps beekeepers trying even when the odds are poor. This episode captures beekeeping exactly as it sometimes is: exhausting, frustrating, uncertain, and deeply human. Jim's candid narration and Jason's steady assistance make this one of the most memorable "Plain Talk" field episodes yet released on Honey Bee Obscura. Will the swarm survive? At the time of recording, even Jim doesn't know. But listeners will experience every step of the attempt. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman continue their queen-focused spring series with longtime beekeeper, researcher, and educator Randy Oliver and commercial beekeeper Eric Oliver. The conversation explores the realities of large-scale selective breeding for Varroa-resistant honey bees and the development of the Golden West queen line. Randy explains how his operation shifted toward breeding for mite resistance after discovering a colony in 2015 that consistently maintained zero Varroa counts without treatment. That colony became "Queen Zero," launching a years-long selective breeding effort focused on resistance, gentleness, and honey production. Eric discusses how the operation evolved from occasional mite sampling into full-operation mite washing programs involving thousands of colonies, streamlined systems, and detailed tracking methods. The discussion covers the importance of drone saturation, isolated mating yards, and why successful breeding programs require cooperation among large groups of beekeepers. Randy and Eric explain their partnership with Olivarez Honey Bees to scale Golden West queen production while preserving genetic consistency through controlled mating environments. Jeff and Becky also discuss how healthier bees change the overall beekeeping experience, from colony management and overwintering to reduced chemical inputs and calmer hive behavior. Randy shares his views on breeding for gentleness, avoiding "Frankenbee" genetics, and why maintaining a stable breeding population is essential for long-term progress against Varroa mites. The episode also includes a listener question from Anne Bettencourt about how long beginning beekeepers should keep colonies open during inspections, leading to a thoughtful discussion on balancing learning opportunities with colony health and productivity. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Scientific Beekeeping: https://scientificbeekeeping.com Olivarez Honey Bees: https://www.ohbees.com/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew delivers a candid, field-side reflection on the challenges—and realities—of swarm management when conditions, equipment, and personal limitations don't align. What begins as a routine observation quickly turns into a frustrating and physically risky attempt to retrieve a swarm positioned just out of safe reach. Jim walks listeners through his decision-making in real time: weighing experience against instinct, confronting the temptation to "just try one more time," and ultimately recognizing the limits that come with age, safety, and practicality. The episode explores a common but often under-discussed scenario: when a swarm simply won't cooperate. Despite repeated shaking attempts, the bees persistently return to their chosen limb, demonstrating the strength of their cohesion and site fidelity. Jim reflects on possible reasons for swarm behavior, including whether the queen failed to leave initially, how scent cues reinforce clustering, and whether scout activity or indecision plays a role in swarm reversals. Equally important is the emotional side of beekeeping—wanting to intervene, knowing when to stop, and accepting loss. Jim shares the internal conflict between letting bees follow their natural course and the beekeeper's instinct to act. This is "plain talk" beekeeping at its core: practical, honest, and grounded in experience. The takeaway is clear—sometimes the best decision is not to climb the ladder. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this continuation of the Queen Series, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Juliana Rangel of Texas A&M University for an in-depth discussion on honey bee queen biology, mating behavior, and the often-overlooked role of drones in colony success. Juliana shares her journey into honey bee research, beginning with stingless bees in Brazil and leading to her current work on queen reproductive biology. The conversation explores the complexity of queen mating, from orientation flights to drone congregation areas, and the many variables that influence successful mating—especially weather, timing, and environmental conditions. A key takeaway is how much remains unknown. Despite decades of research, fundamental questions—such as where queens consistently mate and how mating locations are determined—are still being revisited with new technologies like RFID tracking. The discussion highlights the importance of drone quality and diversity, emphasizing that drones contribute half the genetics of a colony. Poor drone health or limited mating opportunities can directly impact queen longevity and colony productivity. Juliana also explains how pesticide exposure and contaminated wax can disrupt normal mating patterns, sometimes leading to excessive mating or reduced sperm viability. Queen development is another critical factor. Queens raised from older larvae may appear functional but result in significantly reduced colony performance. Proper grafting practices remain essential, especially for small-scale queen producers. The episode closes with practical advice for beekeepers: observe queen retinue behavior, maintain good records, and reconsider the value of drones within colonies. Juliana also shares updates on her current research in Colombia and a new international project investigating queen mating dynamics and environmental stressors. This conversation reinforces a central theme: queen quality is multifactorial, and improving it requires attention to genetics, nutrition, environment, and management practices. For additional information where honey bees mate, listen to our conversation with Dr. Gard Otis in episode 378. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab: https://honeybeelab.tamu.edu Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew brings listeners along for a raw, unfiltered walk through his apiary during one of beekeeping's most unpredictable seasons. After expecting significant winter losses, Jim ordered five packages—only to discover that many of his colonies survived. What follows is a practical and honest look at the realities of managing too many bees, not enough equipment, and the financial weight of modern beekeeping.  Working through newly installed packages, Jim shares his "slipshod beekeeping" approach—using improvised feeding methods, mismatched equipment, and minimal intervention—while still focusing on the fundamentals: ensuring queens are released, colonies are stable, and resources are protected from stronger hives during seasonal nectar gaps. Midway through the episode, everything shifts. A strong colony unexpectedly swarms, offering a vivid, real-time reminder that even experienced beekeepers can misjudge colony strength and behavior. Jim walks through the moment as it unfolds, reflecting on swarm dynamics, colony pressure, and the humbling nature of working with honey bees. This episode is a grounded reminder that beekeeping rarely goes exactly as planned—and that adaptability, observation, and a bit of humility go a long way. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman sit down with Dr. Sammy Ramsey to explore his role in the National Geographic docuseries Secrets of the Bees. What began as a science communication opportunity quickly evolved into a multi-year collaboration blending research, storytelling, and cinematic production. Sammy shares how he contributed as a producer, helping shape the scientific direction of the series while ensuring that even experienced beekeepers would discover something new. The goal wasn't just education—it was surprise. Even seasoned listeners may find themselves rethinking what they know about honey bees. The conversation dives into the creative process behind the series, including collaboration with renowned filmmaker James Cameron and a team of world-class cinematographers. Sammy also reveals his unexpected contribution to the soundtrack, adding subtle vocal elements that enhance the emotional tone of key scenes. A standout moment discussed is the dramatic depiction of Varroa mites interacting with resistant honey bee colonies—highlighting cutting-edge breeding work from the USDA. These scenes underscore both the challenges bees face and the progress being made through research. The series, available on Disney+ and Hulu, has quickly risen to become a top-performing show, reflecting growing public interest in pollinators and their ecosystems. Beyond the visuals, Sammy emphasizes a deeper goal: fostering interspecies empathy. By presenting the world from the perspective of the bee, the series invites viewers to connect emotionally with these essential insects in a way few productions have achieved. If you're looking for a fresh perspective on honey bees—whether you're a beginner or a seasoned beekeeper—this series delivers. Secrets of the Bees Website: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/show/99802a2f-9b71-40fe-b3e0-39042897fa26 ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman launch a new series focused on honey bee queens with leading researcher Dr. David Tarpy. From the start, the conversation challenges a common oversimplification: the queen is not just an "egg-laying machine," but part of a dynamic, cooperative system shaped by both biology and worker perception. Tarpy explains that queen quality extends beyond visible traits like brood pattern. Instead, it includes physical characteristics such as body size, mating success, and sperm viability—factors that set the upper limit, or "ceiling," of colony performance. However, he emphasizes that brood pattern is often a colony-level trait, influenced as much by workers, environment, and disease pressure as by the queen herself. A key insight from the discussion is that colonies do not evaluate queens based solely on pheromones produced by the queen. Brood pheromones and, importantly, the workers' ability to perceive those signals play a major role in whether a queen is accepted or replaced. This helps explain why strong queens are sometimes superseded while weaker ones persist. The conversation also explores the impact of queen handling and shipping. Temperature stress—both overheating and chilling—can reduce sperm viability without visibly harming the queen, leading to premature failure later in the season. For beekeepers, this underscores the importance of careful handling between receipt and installation. Tarpy shares insights from his long-running queen health clinic, where most "problem queens" sent in for analysis turn out to be biologically sound. In many cases, environmental factors such as pesticide exposure or colony stress are the underlying issue. This episode sets the stage for the series by reframing how beekeepers think about queens—not as isolated individuals, but as part of a complex, responsive colony system. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: North Carolina State Apiculture Program: https://www.ncsuapiculture.net North Carolina State Queen & Disease Clinic: https://pollinators.ces.ncsu.edu/apiculture/queen-disease-clinic/   Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Jim Tew and Anne Frey return for Part 2 of their discussion on honey bee packages, continuing a practical and often humorous look at the realities of installing packages and managing queens in the early season. Picking up where they left off, the conversation dives deeper into real-world beekeeper experiences—especially the unexpected challenges that arise when beginners misunderstand the basics of package installation. Jim and Anne share stories that highlight just how confusing early beekeeping can be without proper guidance, from customers who never installed their bees into a hive to unusual queen introduction mistakes that led to colony failure. These examples reinforce a central theme: beekeeping is simple in concept, but small missteps can have big consequences. The discussion also explores practical techniques for installing packages, including securing queen cages, handling bees in cold weather, and the importance of returning to the hive to remove cages and correct spacing. Anne emphasizes how easily improper spacing can lead to burr comb, while Jim reflects on the many "small details" that only come with experience. As the conversation continues, they examine colony development timelines, including the natural population decline that occurs in the first few weeks after installation. They also compare packages and nucs, noting how packages start slowly but can catch up later in the season. Throughout the episode, Jim and Anne reinforce the value of mentorship, preparation, and patience—reminding listeners that while most installations go smoothly, success often comes down to understanding the fundamentals before getting started. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Mateo Kaiser joins Jeff and Becky to discuss how Bee Swarmed is changing the way beekeepers find and collect swarms. Built to connect the public with local beekeepers quickly, the platform helps remove the chaos that often surrounds swarm calls and replaces it with real-time alerts, cleaner communication, and better outcomes for both bees and beekeepers. The conversation begins with a timely Hive IQ question about swarm prevention and colony expansion. Jeff and Becky talk through the challenge of managing strong spring colonies, when to divide, and why waiting too long can cost both bees and honey production. That leads naturally into Mateo's work and the growing role Bee Swarmed plays in modern swarm management. Mateo explains how the system works, how beekeepers receive and claim swarm alerts, and how image recognition is helping filter out wasps and other mistaken reports. He also shares how Bee Swarmed has expanded beyond simple notifications into public education, library outreach, and large-scale data collection. Looking ahead, Mateo describes new tools under development, including local swarm timing predictions and swarm trap placement guidance based on environmental and historical data. For beekeepers hoping to catch locally adapted bees, reduce missed opportunities, and better understand swarm patterns, this episode offers a practical look at where beekeeping and technology now meet. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Bee Swarmed: https://beeswarmed.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC