Beekeeping Today Podcast

The weekly podcast bringing beekeepers the latest news, research, and insights on honey bees. Hosted by Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman, each episode features conversations with beekeepers, scientists, authors, and industry leaders. Whether you’re just starting your first hive or managing hundreds, you’ll find practical tips, fresh perspectives, and engaging stories to inspire your beekeeping journey.

Molly Quade: Fighting Varroa with Fungi (360) 11/17/2025

Molly Quade: Fighting Varroa with Fungi (360) Honey bees continue to face shifting pressures from pests, and few are as relentless as varroa mites. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Washington State University graduate student Molly Quade, whose research into fighting varroa with fungi offers a promising biological alternative to traditional mite treatments. Molly studies entomopathogenic fungi—especially Metarhizium species—which naturally infect arthropods and are already used in agriculture for pest management. Her work centers on finding fungal strains that can tolerate the warm environment of a honey bee colony, one of the biggest barriers to making fungus-based varroa control viable. Through strain selection and thermal tolerance testing, Molly and her colleagues are working toward biological tools that could function inside a living hive. The conversation breaks down how fungi infect varroa without harming bees, why biological treatments may reduce resistance issues, and the practical challenges of delivering fungal spores inside the hive. Molly also shares insights on fungal interactions with bee immunity and how wax moth larvae unexpectedly support early-stage testing. For beekeepers searching for future tools to manage mites more sustainably, this episode offers a clear, engaging look at one of the most innovative research directions underway today. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Washington State University Honey Bees & Pollinator Program: Molly's WSU Presentation, "Entomopathogenic Metarhizium for Varroa Control" on YouTube: Beekeeping Today: The Book - Photo Requests - . Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. 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 . Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/39050075

[Bonus] Short: Communication in Bees and Beekeepers with Dr. Dewey Caron 11/14/2025

[Bonus] Short: Communication in Bees and Beekeepers with Dr. Dewey Caron In this month’s Beekeeping Today Podcast Short with Dr. Dewey Caron, he reflects on the many ways communication connects us — from human language to honey bee behavior. Recorded following the Oregon State Beekeepers Association’s annual meeting, Dewey explores communication on three levels: between bee scientists and beekeepers, between beekeepers and their bees, and among bees themselves. He compares human verbal, nonverbal, and written communication to the complex systems found in honey bee societies, including the famous waggle dance and the chemical cues that govern colony behavior. Dewey also shares new research from the University of Minnesota, which suggests that the protein vitellogenin may play a role in how colonies prepare to swarm — possibly acting as part of their “language” of reproduction. The discussion underscores how understanding bee communication helps us become better communicators as beekeepers, recognizing the cues our colonies send before swarming begins. As Dewey reminds us, communication is a two-way street: “We need to understand what our bees are saying and better refine what we’re asking of them.” Links and references mentioned in this episode: Klett, Katrina, Kate Ihie, Michael Simone-Finstrome and Marla Spivak. 2025. Vitellogenin plays a role in regulating honey bee swarming. 15, 36569. (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-20547-z ) Note: Kate Ihir and Michael Simone-Finstrome now at USDA Baton Rouge Bee lab) Seeley, Thomas D. 2024. Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners. Princeton Univ Press The Language Doctors - University of Minnesota Bee Research Lab – Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38950915

[Bonus] Short - Inside the Ohio State Beekeepers Association with Jamie Walters 11/12/2025

[Bonus] Short - Inside the Ohio State Beekeepers Association with Jamie Walters In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott sits down with Jamie Walters, President of the Ohio State Beekeepers Association (OSBA), during the organization’s annual conference in Wooster, Ohio. Jamie shares how OSBA continues to thrive after the challenges of recent years, including the rebound of volunteerism and mentorship following COVID. Under his leadership, the 2025 conference brought together 37 vendors, 280 attendees, and an impressive lineup of speakers including Dr. Tracy Farone, Fred Dunn, and Dr. Chia Lin from Ohio State University. The discussion highlights the OSBA’s dedication to education and outreach—covering new hands-on workshops in wax processing, dissection labs, and mead making, as well as the association’s growing youth scholarship and mentorship programs. Jamie also describes efforts to expand training through certified online beginner beekeeping courses in collaboration with Dr. Reed Johnsonand Dr. Chia Lin at The Ohio State University Bee Lab. Jeff and Jamie talk about the importance of leadership and volunteerism in state and local beekeeping organizations, and how collaboration among neighboring states—Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and others—can strengthen the beekeeping community as a whole. Links and references mentioned in this episode: Ohio State Beekeepers Association: Ohio State University Bee Lab: Fred Dunn (YouTube Channel): Honey Bee Health Coalition Guide: Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38953680

Special Message and Archive Special - Darren Mays, NYPD Beekeeper (359) 11/10/2025

Special Message and Archive Special - Darren Mays, NYPD Beekeeper (359) Jeff and Becky have a special message for Beekeeping Today Podcast listeners! After decades of managing their own bees and many lessons learned on their beekeeping journeys, they’re thrilled to announce that Beekeeping Today is taking the next step — into print. Their forthcoming book, “Beekeeping Today: Your First Year of Beekeeping,” brings together personal experiences, insightful lessons, and advice shared on the show, on how to get started with bees and through the first year. And now they’d love your help! Listeners are invited to submit beekeeping photos for possible inclusion in the book — from bees at work to your hives through the seasons. To learn more or share your images, visit . After the announcement, Jeff and Becky revisit a listener favorite from the archives — a conversation with NYPD’s own beekeeper, Officer Darren Mays. Darren shares what it’s like to respond to swarm calls across New York City, rescue bees from surprising places, and balance life as both a police officer and beekeeper. It’s a great reminder that honey bees — and beekeepers — can be found in the most unexpected places. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Beekeeping Today: The Book - Photo Requests - . Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. 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 . Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38960805

[Bonus] Short - Remembering A.I. Root in Medina, Ohio 11/05/2025

Melanie Kirby: Art, Science & Bees in Community (358) 11/03/2025

Melanie Kirby: Art, Science & Bees in Community (358) This week, Becky Masterman and guest co-host Dr. Meghan Milbrath of Michigan State University welcome Melanie Kirby, queen breeder, educator, and pollinator specialist at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Melanie shares her incredible beekeeping journey — from learning in the jungles of Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer, to queen rearing in Hawaii’s Kona Queen and Hawaiian Queen Apiaries, to managing migratory operations across the U.S., and now mentoring new beekeepers through her 20-year-old operation, Zia Queenbees. She discusses the creation of the Adaptive Bee Breeders Alliance (), a national network of researchers and queen breeders working to strengthen honey bee genetics through collaborative breeding, genomics, and germplasm conservation. The conversation touches on her Fulbright-National Geographic research, her role supporting Indigenous agricultural education at IAIA, and how art, science, and community intersect in pollinator stewardship. Melanie also offers insights into current projects on wild bee populations in New Mexico, new approaches to field research, and her ongoing efforts to translate between practical beekeeping and academic research. Her story is one of curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning from the bees — and the people who care for them. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Adaptive Bee Breeders Alliance: Zia Queen Bees Farm & Field Institute: BTP Episode on Map My DCA Episode with Julia Mahood: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. 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 . Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38878815

[Bonus] Short: The Midwest Honey Bee Expo 10/31/2025

[Bonus] Short: The Midwest Honey Bee Expo The Midwest Honey Bee Expo is back—and bigger than ever. Jeff and Becky talk with organizers Bill Werning and Doug Koltermann about what’s in store for the 2026 event, held February 6–7 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Following a sold-out debut in 2025, this year’s expo expands into a larger venue featuring everything under one roof—vendors, speakers, workshops, and a connected hotel for attendee comfort. Bill and Doug share how they turned a regional need for practical, hands-on beekeeping education into one of the Midwest’s most dynamic events. With 16 speakers, three educational tracks, and 35+ vendors, the 2026 expo promises something for every level of beekeeper—from new hobbyists to seasoned sideliners. Attendees can look forward to sessions by Zachary Lamas on pesticide sampling, a cut comb workshop by Tom and Melissa Sussman, and a honey judging certification course from the American Honey Judge Training Council. The event also features the Lee Heine Memorial Scholarship supporting students pursuing apicultural studies. Early bird registration runs through November 30, and participants can explore vendor show specials, presale equipment pickup options, and networking opportunities throughout the weekend. Learn more and register at , or follow the Midwest Honey Bee Expo Facebook group for speaker and vendor updates. Beekeeping Today Podcast will be on-site to record and connect with listeners—so stop by and say hello! Links and references mentioned in this episode: Midwest Honey Bee Expo Website - BTP Episode with The American Honey Show Training Council - Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38847075

Norroa: A New Era in Varroa Management (357) 10/27/2025

Norroa: A New Era in Varroa Management (357) Varroa mites remain the most destructive pest facing honey bees today—but a revolutionary new treatment may finally shift the balance. In this episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Adam Pachl, North American Technical Manager for Bee Health at GreenLight Biosciences, to discuss Norroa, the first EPA-approved dsRNA-based treatment for Varroa mites. Norroa introduces a fundamentally new approach: instead of killing mites outright, it prevents them from reproducing. Adam explains how this RNA interference (RNAi) technology works at the molecular level, blocking the mites’ ability to lay viable eggs without harming honey bees or other organisms. He also shares insights from years of field research, including trials across five U.S. states that demonstrated dramatic improvements in colony survival and mite suppression. Becky and Jeff explore the implications of this technology for beekeepers of all scales—from hobbyists managing a few hives to large-scale commercial operations—and how Norroa fits into an integrated pest management strategy. The discussion covers everything from timing of application, compatibility with other treatments, and safety testing, to potential future uses of RNAi against pests like Tropilaelaps. For the first time in decades, beekeepers may have a tool that targets Varroa precisely and safely—without collateral damage to the bees they’re fighting to protect. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: GreenLight Biosciences. “GreenLight Biosciences Launches Norroa, the First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites.” 25 Sep 2025. GreenLight Biosciences. “In the Pipeline: Protecting the Honeybee.” GeneOnline. “EPA Registers Norroa as First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites Threatening Honeybee Populations.” 25 Sept 2025. Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. 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 . Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38774745

[Bonus] Short - Inside Bee Culture Magazine: Medina’s Beekeeping Legacy 10/22/2025

Fall Honey Sales (356) 10/20/2025

Fall Honey Sales (356) It’s harvest season—and for many beekeepers, that means it’s time to sell honey! In this week’s episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman dig into the rewarding (and sometimes sticky) process of marketing and selling your honey crop. From fall festivals to farm stands, Becky shares her experiences at local events, state fairs, and new retail partnerships, including the launch of her own MastermanApiaries.com website. Jeff talks about scaling Olympia Honey Company and how local markets, branding, and customer relationships have helped him create a sustainable beekeeping business. Together, they explore the fun, challenges, and lessons learned from turning raw honey into a community connection. The discussion also covers labeling requirements, state regulations, setting retail and wholesale prices, and leveraging AI tools to design labels, calculate pricing, and even develop marketing materials. Becky reveals how ChatGPT helped her brainstorm creative honey names and brand ideas, while Jeff explains how AI-generated mockups led to the final design for Olympia Honey’s logo. Listeners will pick up practical advice for pricing honey fairly, building repeat customers, and turning a seasonal product into a sustainable business—while avoiding the pitfalls of “free honey” and other online hiccups. Whether you sell a few jars or a few hundred, this episode will inspire you to embrace the business of bees with confidence and creativity. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38596385

[Bonus] Short - Dewey Caron: Condensing vs. Ventilating Hives 10/15/2025

[Bonus] Short - Dewey Caron: Condensing vs. Ventilating Hives In this October Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns from Apimondia in Copenhagen and the Washington State Beekeepers Association Conference with another Audio Postcard—this time exploring the long-debated topic of condensing vs. ventilated hives. Dewey discusses three levels of communication central to his monthly series: bee scientist to beekeeper, beekeeper to bee, and bee to bee. Drawing on the work of Dr. Tom Seeley and Derek Mitchell of the University of Leeds, he examines how wild colonies regulate temperature and moisture in tree cavities compared to modern Langstroth hives. Listeners will hear Dewey explain the difference between a condensing hive—which retains heat and manages moisture through top insulation—and a ventilated hive, which uses airflow and upper vents to remove humidity. He walks through the pros and cons of each, including the energy cost to bees, honey consumption, and overwintering success. The episode concludes with fascinating insights into heater bees, as first described by Jürgen Tautz, showing how worker bees actively warm brood cells during cold months. Dewey ties it all together with his signature reminder: there’s no single right way to keep bees—only the approach that works best for you and your colonies. Links and references mentioned in this episode: Hesbach, W. (2020). The Condensing Colony. American Bee Journal, 160(2), 170–180. Seeley, T. D. (2019). Princeton University Press. Radcliffe, R. W. & Seeley, T. D. (2022). Thinking Outside the Box: Temperature Dynamics in a Tree Cavity, Wooden Box, and Langstroth Hives With or Without Insulation. American Bee Journal, 162(8), 893–898. Mitchell, D. (2016). Ratios of Colony Mass to Thermal Conductance of Tree and Man-Made Nest Enclosures of Apis mellifera: Implications for Survival, Clustering, Humidity Regulation, and Varroa destructor. International Journal of Biometeorology, 60(5), 629–638. Mitchell, D. (2017). Honey Bee Engineering: Top Ventilation and Top Entrances. American Bee Journal, 157(8), 887–889. ISSN 0002-7626. Mitchell, D. (2023). Honeybee Cluster—Not Insulation but Stressful Heat Sink. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 20:20230488. Tautz, J. (2008). The Buzz About Bees: Biology of a Superorganism. Springer. Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38578170

Regional Beekeepers Fall Roundtable 2025 (355) 10/13/2025

Regional Beekeepers Fall Roundtable 2025 (355) In this special Beekeeping Today Podcast roundtable, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman gather an inspiring group of regional beekeepers from across the U.S. to share how their colonies fared through the 2025 season and what they’re doing to prepare for winter. Joining the table are Ang Roell (They Keep Bees, Massachusetts), Bonnie Morse (Bonnie Bee & Company, California), Duane Combs (Arizona Beekeepers LLC), Jay Williams (Williams Honey Farm, Tennessee), and Paul Longwell (Washington). Each regional voice brings a unique perspective on this year’s challenges—heat and drought in the Southwest, unpredictable blooms in the Pacific Northwest, and extended broodless periods complicating Varroa management across the country. In response to listener Brian Schmitz’s question, “What does your overwintering hive look like?”, these experienced beekeepers describe how their hive setups differ by region—from Ang’s double-deeps and Warre hives with insulation and mountain camp feeding, to Jay’s “3:2” ratio overwintering in wrapped medium supers, to Duane’s Arizona colonies managing through both heat and rain cycles. Later, they discuss what didn’t go as planned—queen mating failures, volatile weather, and high mite counts—and what they’re most looking forward to in 2026. From germplasm banking and bee breeding projects to bee meditation programs and rare honey production, this lively conversation captures the diversity and innovation within today’s beekeeping community. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38548845

[Bonus] Short: Varroa Treatments - Death By Varroa 10/08/2025

Fall Management Tips with Jim Tew (354) 10/06/2025

Fall Management Tips with Jim Tew (354) Fall is one of the most critical times in the beekeeping calendar, and in this episode Jeff and Becky welcome Jim Tew of Honey Bee Obscura for a lively and practical discussion about preparing colonies for winter. The conversation starts with a listener's question about quilt boxes—what to put in them, how they work, and whether wood shavings, insulation, or even moisture boards are best. Jim, Jeff, and Becky share their own experiences and lessons learned about managing moisture and heat in the hive, with some humorous nods to past beekeeping misadventures. From there, the group dives into fall priorities: ensuring colonies have adequate food reserves, considering when and how to feed syrup or fondant, and combining weak colonies before winter. Becky shares her “Frankenstein hive” approach, Jim reflects on decades of overwintering practices, and Jeff offers perspective from the damp Pacific Northwest. The trio also debate ventilation, moisture management, and whether or not to requeen this late in the season. As always, the discussion mixes science, experience, and a touch of humor—reminding beekeepers that fall is the last big chance to set colonies up for survival. The episode wraps with a look ahead to January’s North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, where Jim, Jeff, and Becky will be together at the Beekeeping Today Podcast booth. This is a timely, information-packed conversation for anyone wondering what to do in the final weeks before winter truly sets in. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Using Quilt Boxes on Betterbee: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38433375

[Bonus] Short: Varroa Treatments - Non-Chemical Means 10/01/2025

Jim Fischer - Bee Quick and Rooftop Beekeeping (353) 09/29/2025

Jim Fischer - Bee Quick and Rooftop Beekeeping (353) In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky sit down with East Coast beekeeper and innovator Jim Fischer, the creator of Fischer’s Bee-Quick. Known for its pleasant almond-cherry aroma, Bee-Quick was developed as a safer alternative to harsh chemical repellents for removing honey from supers. Jim shares how his father challenged him to “solve the problem” of the dreaded butyric acid, leading him to experiment with aromatics until he distilled a solution that worked for both bees and beekeepers. Beyond Bee-Quick, Jim’s story weaves through decades of beekeeping experience: starting with two retirement gift hives in Virginia, scaling up to pollination along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and later pioneering rooftop beekeeping in Manhattan. He talks candidly about fall splits, queen management, and his practical philosophy that favors simple approaches over complex “desperation moves.” Jim also describes working with biodynamic certification, his memories of Richard Taylor and Ross Rounds, and the realities of keeping bees in an urban setting. Whether you’re curious about the origins of Bee-Quick, strategies for overwintering nucs, or the logistics of rooftop hives overlooking Central Park, this wide-ranging conversation offers insights, humor, and practical advice from a beekeeper who has seen—and done—a little bit of everything. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Bee Quick: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38352690

Corporate Beekeeping at Scale with Best Bees’ Delaney Dameron (352) 09/22/2025

Corporate Beekeeping at Scale with Best Bees’ Delaney Dameron (352) In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Delaney Dameron, CEO of Best Bees, to explore the growing field of corporate beekeeping. Delaney shares how Best Bees manages nearly 2,000 hives across 24 cities, installing colonies on rooftops and properties for businesses, universities, and homeowners committed to sustainability and pollinator health. Delaney explains how Best Bees uses its proprietary data system, Bzzz, to collect and analyze the world’s largest standardized beekeeping dataset. This information drives research partnerships with universities and nonprofits, providing insights into colony health, forage diversity, and the impact of urban and corporate environments on pollinators. The conversation highlights how Best Bees engages corporate clients beyond hive management—offering employee programming, pollinator education, honey DNA analysis, and landscape planning to make cities “greener.” Delaney also discusses hiring and training beekeepers nationwide, managing seasonal logistics, and running pilot programs for mason bees. Whether you are a sideliner looking for professional beekeeping opportunities or curious how corporations are supporting pollinator health, this episode shows how data-driven hive management can scale sustainability and strengthen community connections. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Best Bees: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38290640

Shaping the Future of Beekeeping with Kamon Reynolds (351) 09/15/2025

Shaping the Future of Beekeeping with Kamon Reynolds (351) In this episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome back Kamon Reynolds, Tennessee beekeeper and founder of the North American Honeybee Expo (NAHBE). Kamon shares how he balances managing over 150 colonies with organizing one of the largest beekeeping events in North America. Kamon discusses the logistics of moving bees to Wisconsin for basswood honey flows, keeping mite loads low through early-season oxalic acid slow release treatments, and maintaining young queens to build resilient colonies. He reflects on the challenges of dearth periods in the South, creative solutions like late splits and comb drawing, and the lessons learned from experimenting with migratory beekeeping. The conversation shifts to NAHBE’s growth and its role in shaping the future of the industry—highlighting innovation, connecting vendors with beekeepers, and inspiring a new generation of apiarists through outreach to FFA (Future Farmers of America). The next expo takes place January 8–10, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky, with expanded workshops and more vendor engagement opportunities. If you’ve ever considered attending NAHBE or want insight into sideline beekeeping, queen management, or the state of the industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for beekeepers at every level. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: North American Honey Bee Expo: Kamon's YouTube Channel: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38222010

[Bonus] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron: Fat Bees and Overwintering Success 09/10/2025

[Bonus] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron: Fat Bees and Overwintering Success In this BTP Short, Dr. Dewey Caron shares another of his “audio postcards,” this time exploring the critical role of fat bees—also known as diutinus bees—in helping colonies survive winter. Dewey explains how these long-lived worker bees differ from their summer sisters, with enlarged fat bodies, higher protein reserves, and lower juvenile hormone levels, all tied to the key blood protein vitellogenin. Drawing on published research papers, Dewey highlights how environmental cues such as declining pollen, temperature, and daylight trigger the production of winter bees, and how clustering helps colonies thermoregulate through the cold months. He emphasizes that strong, heavy colonies going into winter are far more likely to survive than weak or light ones. For beekeepers, Dewey stresses the importance of continuous Varroa control throughout the season, fall feeding to ensure sufficient carbohydrate and protein stores, and combining weaker units when necessary. He also discusses drone eviction, stock influences, and climate change modeling that suggests warmer falls may disrupt the balance of winter bee production and survival. This episode provides science-based insights and practical recommendations to help beekeepers communicate with their colonies—ensuring not only fat bees, but fat, well-prepared colonies for overwintering success. Websites and Links mention in the episode: Dewey's Book, Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping, 3rd Edition: Döke, Mehmet A. M. Frazier, and C. Grozinger, 2015 “Overwintering honey bees: biology and management,” Current Opinion in Insect Science. Mehmet Ali Döke, Christina M. Grozinger. 2017. Döke, Mehmet Ali, CM McGrady, M. Otieno, CM Grozinger, M Frazier. 2019. . J. Econ. Entomology 112 (2), 525-533, DOI: Stephanie Feliciano-Cardona, †Mehmet Ali Döke, Janpierre Ale man,Jose Luis Agosto-Rivera. Christina M. Grozinger and Tugrul Giray 2020. Honey Bees in the Tropics Show Winter Bee-Like Longevity in Response to Seasonal Dearth and Brood Reduction. Front. Ecol. Evol., 8. Somerville, Doug (2005) Fat Bees Skinny Bees, A manual on honey bee nutrition for beekeepers., Australia. Available on the Web at Kirti Rajagopalan, Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman, Matthew Pruett, Vincent P. Jones, Vanessa Corby-Harris, Julien Pireaud, Robert Curry, Brandon Hopkins & Tobin D. Northfield. 2024. Warmer autumns and winters could reduce honey bee overwintering survival with potential risks for pollination services. volume 14, Article number: 5410 (2024) For homework Ashley L. St. Clair , Nathanael J. Beach, Adam G. Dolezal. 2022. Honey bee hive covers reduce food consumption and colony mortality during overwintering. Plos One. SBGM videos: Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38146865

Top-Bar Beekeeping with Vikki Atkinson (350) 09/08/2025

Top-Bar Beekeeping with Vikki Atkinson (350) In this milestone 350th episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Vikki Atkinson of Pennsylvania to share her deep experience managing over 100 Top-Bar hives. Vikki walks listeners through the unique design of Top-Bar hives, from follower boards and shims to the angled sides that encourage natural comb building. She explains how handling bars like a “steering wheel” prevents comb breakage, and why level placement is critical to success. With candor and clarity, she outlines both the advantages—lighter lifts, less colony disturbance, and beautiful natural comb—and the challenges, including cross-comb management and the lack of standardized equipment. The discussion ranges from honey harvest methods (from crush-and-strain to using extractors with creative adaptations) to overwintering strategies with rigid insulation, to managing Varroa through genetics, VSH queens, and careful testing. Vikki shares how she transitioned from a beginner fascinated by Les Crowder’s book to running a thriving Top-Bar operation and mentoring others. Whether you’re curious about trying a Top-Bar hive, or simply want fresh insights into honey bee biology beyond Langstroth boxes, this conversation offers practical lessons, inspiration, and a celebration of the diversity of modern beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Wes Crowder's Book on Top-Bar Beekeeping: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; 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 © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/38087610

[Bonus] Short: Varroa Treatments - ApiLife Var and Apiguard 09/05/2025

[Bonus] Short - HiveAlive with Dara Scott: Winter Survival Insights 09/03/2025

Bee Great with David Mullins (349) 09/01/2025

Bee Great with David Mullins (349) In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dave Mullins of Bee Great, based in Churubusco, Indiana. Dave shares how a hobby with his father in 2014 grew into a dynamic beekeeping business now managing 150 hives, a thriving retail store, and a diverse line of honey and bee-inspired products. From flavored honeys and goat milk soaps to international exports, Bee Great has become a model of creativity and adaptability in the beekeeping world . Dave describes his journey from professor to full-time beekeeper and entrepreneur, offering candid insights into product development, branding, and customer service. He discusses lessons learned at farmers markets, the importance of transparency in labeling, and how community support during the COVID pandemic helped sustain and grow the business. He also reflects on balancing innovation—like Cajun and wasabi hot honey—with the challenges of scaling responsibly while staying true to a family-centered mission. Listeners will find inspiration in Dave’s story of persistence, ingenuity, and passion for bees. His experiences highlight the possibilities—and realities—of turning beekeeping into a business while still keeping the heart of the practice rooted in service, education, and connection. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Dave's Website for His Store: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive’s unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive’s Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/37981125

[Bonus] Short: Varroa Treatments - HopGuard 3 08/29/2025

Dave McComb: From One Hive to a Thriving Beekeeping Business (348) 08/25/2025

Dave McComb: From One Hive to a Thriving Beekeeping Business (348) In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Indiana beekeeper Dave McComb to share his journey from inheriting one defensive hive in 2018 to managing over 100 colonies, producing honey, nucs, and queens with remarkable success. Dave explains how he quickly immersed himself in beekeeping education, adopted single-deep hive management, and built an operation known for exceptionally low winter losses. Beyond management techniques, Dave opens up about his business growth, from building a website and learning social media outreach to creating innovative honey products—like single-serve honey packets for athletes, inspired by his years as a competitive cyclist. He also discusses the value of honey shows, where his award-winning creamed honey has earned recognition at the state, national, and ABF levels. Whether you’re curious about improving colony survival, queen management, or expanding your beekeeping into a thriving sideline business, Dave’s story is full of inspiration and practical takeaways. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Dave McComb's Apiary Website: Indiana Queen Breeders Assn: BTP Episode with Randy Oliver: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/37934835

Dr. Lewis Bartlett - The Evolving Challenges Beekeepers Face (347) 08/18/2025

Dr. Lewis Bartlett - The Evolving Challenges Beekeepers Face (347) Dr. Lewis Bartlett returns to Beekeeping Today Podcast to share the latest science on honey bee health, pest management, and the evolving challenges beekeepers face worldwide. In this wide-ranging conversation, Lewis dives into how shifting climates, global trade, and emerging pests are reshaping the landscape for beekeeping. He explores the role of integrated pest management, the importance of genetic diversity in colonies, and why maintaining flexibility is essential for long-term success. A highlight of the discussion focuses on the yellow-legged hornet — a newly arrived invasive predator in the U.S. Lewis explains its biology, how it differs from the Asian giant hornet, and what early detection efforts are underway to prevent it from establishing. He emphasizes the need for beekeeper vigilance and public reporting to help slow its spread before it becomes a permanent threat to honey bees and native pollinators. Listeners will also gain insights into how research priorities are shifting in response to these challenges, and how beekeepers can take actionable steps today to prepare for tomorrow’s realities. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: University of Georgia Bee Lab: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/37837500

[Bonus] Short: Varroa Treatment Options - Formic Acid 08/13/2025

John Miller - Swimming with Piranha (346) 08/11/2025

John Miller - Swimming with Piranha (346) In this week’s episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back fourth-generation commercial beekeeper John Miller for a candid conversation about the challenges—and potential—facing the beekeeping industry today. With his decades of experience and generational insight, John doesn’t hold back on concerns about low honey prices, rising input costs, invasive pests like tropilaelaps, and the closure of critical research facilities like USDA’s Beltsville Bee Lab. John offers a front-line view of what it means to be a commercial beekeeper in 2025 and why he describes the current moment as “swimming with piranha.” He also speaks passionately about the importance of collaboration across beekeeper “silos”—commercial, sideliner, and hobbyist alike—and about the hope he sees in new leadership, community engagement, and research-backed innovation through organizations like Project Apis m. Whether you manage a few colonies or a few thousand, this episode offers a sobering but motivating reminder of the shared challenges beekeepers face—and why now is the time to come together and act. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Miller Honey Farms: Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/37712180

[Bonus] Short: Dr. Dewey Caron - Mite Management and Bee Learning Breakthroughs 08/06/2025

[Bonus] Short: Dr. Dewey Caron - Mite Management and Bee Learning Breakthroughs In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with his monthly audio postcard—this time focused on August mite management and a remarkable discovery about honey bee learning. Dewey reminds beekeepers that August is a critical month to monitor and treat for varroa mites before their populations explode. He shares updates on new and emerging treatments, including Norroa (a dsRNA-based biopesticide), Mite Bee Gone (L-glutamic acid strips), and Apivar 2.0, as well as best practices for applying oxalic acid extended release strips like VarroxSan. Dewey shifts from mites to mind-blowing research on bee communication. Drawing on the work of Dr. James Nieh, he explains how the waggle dance—used by bees to communicate foraging locations—is learned through social exposure, similar to how birds and humans acquire language. This study, featured in Science, marks the first demonstration of social learning in insect spatial communication. This episode blends practical mite management insights with inspiring science, all in under 20 minutes. Stay proactive. Plan your treatments. And appreciate the depth of honey bee intelligence. Links & Resources: Overviews of mite control: Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts on Varroa Treatments: University of Massachusetts Extension Flyer on Varroa: NY Bee Wellness presentation of Dr David Peck of BetterBee Veto Pharma (makers fo Apivar 2.0 and Apiguard and Varroa Easy Check sampling device) has 2 informative, nicely illustrated flyers: Integrated varroa mite management throughout the seasons - Varroa Mite Biology - VitaBee Health products (makers of VarroxSan, VARROCheck sampling jar and Vita feed supplements) - MiteBeeGone: Additional Resouces Thomas A. O’Shea-Wheller, Asia Hall, Kirsty Stainton, Victoria Tomkies, Giles E. Budge, Selwyn Wilkins and Ben Jones. 2025. A large-scale study of Varroa destructor treatment adherence in apiculture. Entomologia Generalis.DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/2024/2758 Reports on oxalic acid effectiveness from Canada Quebec: and Ontario: Science article on social learning in Dance Language YouTube presentation at Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/37693815

Yellow Jackets with Dr. Richard Zack (345) 08/04/2025

Yellow Jackets with Dr. Richard Zack (345) Late summer brings not just honey harvests but also the return of yellow jackets. For many beekeepers, their sudden appearance can spark concern—or outright dread—around the bee yard. In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Richard Zack, professor of entomology at Washington State University, to unpack the truth about these misunderstood wasps. Rich shares fascinating insights into yellow jacket biology, their annual colony cycle, and why they turn up at apiaries during nectar dearth. He explains the differences between yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and honey bees, and why their carnivorous diets can actually make them beneficial predators in many ecosystems. The conversation covers practical tips for beekeepers, including seasonal control strategies, entrance reduction, and why strong honey bee colonies can easily fend off these opportunistic scavengers. By the end, you may look at yellow jackets a little differently—as part of the natural balance rather than the enemy of your hives. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Referenced BTP Episode with Yellow Jacket Collector Zach Techner: Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ 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 This episode is brought to you by ! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Thanks to Dalan who is dedicated to providing transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. Dalan's vaccination against American Foulbrood (AFB) is a game changer. Vaccinated queens protect newly hatched honeybee larvae against AFB using the new Dalan vaccine. Created for queen producers and other beekeepers wanting to produce AFB free queens. Retailers offering vaccinated queens and packages: More information on the vaccine: Thanks to for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: Thanks for 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: 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; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/37627955

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