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.

[Bonus] North American Honey Bee Expo 2026, Day 3 (Saturday) 01/11/2026

[Bonus] North American Honey Bee Expo 2026, Day 3 (Saturday) Join us for a special series of episodes recorded live from the floor of the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, KY, January 8–10, 2026. Jeff and Becky bring you the latest beekeeping insights, trends, and innovations directly from one of the biggest beekeeping events of the year. Tune in as we chat with industry leaders, researchers, and beekeepers from across the country. Whether you’re attending in person or catching up from home, these episodes will keep you connected to the hive buzz at NAHBE! Stay tuned for insights into the hottest topics in beekeeping, new product launches, and live Q&A from the Expo floor! Listen Today! Websites we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: Copyright © 2026 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 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/39583805

[Bonus] North American Honey Bee Expo 2026, Day 2 (Friday) 01/10/2026

[Bonus] North American Honey Bee Expo 2026, Day 2 (Friday) Join us for a special series of episodes recorded live from the floor of the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, KY, January 8–10, 2026. Jeff and Becky bring you the latest beekeeping insights, trends, and innovations directly from one of the biggest beekeeping events of the year. Tune in as we chat with industry leaders, researchers, and beekeepers from across the country. Whether you’re attending in person or catching up from home, these episodes will keep you connected to the hive buzz at NAHBE! Stay tuned for insights into the hottest topics in beekeeping, new product launches, and live Q&A from the Expo floor! Listen Today! Websites we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: Copyright © 2026 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 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/39583775

[Bonus] North American Honey Bee Expo 2026, Day 1 (Thursday) 01/09/2026

[Bonus] North American Honey Bee Expo 2026, Day 1 (Thursday) Join us for a special series of episodes recorded live from the floor of the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, KY, January 8–10, 2026. Jeff and Becky bring you the latest beekeeping insights, trends, and innovations directly from one of the biggest beekeeping events of the year. Tune in as we chat with industry leaders, researchers, and beekeepers from across the country. Whether you’re attending in person or catching up from home, these episodes will keep you connected to the hive buzz at NAHBE! Stay tuned for insights into the hottest topics in beekeeping, new product launches, and live Q&A from the Expo floor! Listen Today! Websites we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: Copyright © 2026 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 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC /episode/index/show/beekeepingtodaypodcast/id/39583740

Bee Health, Research, and Real-World Beekeeping with Dr. Jeff Pettis (367) 01/05/2026

Bee Health, Research, and Real-World Beekeeping with Dr. Jeff Pettis (367) In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome back one of the most influential voices in modern honey bee health research, Dr. Jeff Pettis. A longtime USDA-ARS scientist and former president of Apimondia, Jeff Pettis joins the show to reflect on decades of research while offering a candid look at how he actually keeps bees today. The conversation begins with updates on Jeff’s transition away from Apimondia leadership and into a more focused phase of consulting, mentoring, and hands-on beekeeping. He shares insights from his ongoing work with Tropilaelaps mites, including what recent international research tells us about detection, sampling methods, and treatment options—knowledge that may prove critical if this pest ever establishes in North America. Listeners also hear a rare and refreshing perspective as Jeff opens up about his own beekeeping practices. From using organic acids for varroa management, to feeding strategies, winter preparation, and even his simple “brick system” for hive management, this episode bridges the gap between laboratory science and real-world decision making in the apiary. The discussion rounds out with reflections on the current state of honey bee research, the importance of sustained public investment in science, and why experience in the bee yard still matters—no matter how many papers you’ve published. This is a thoughtful, practical, and occasionally humorous conversation that reminds us why good science and good beekeeping belong together. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: North American Honey Bee Expo (NAHBE): Project Apis m. (PAm): Honey Bee Health Coalition: The National Honey Board: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: Copyright © 2026 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 for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our episode and from their website: 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 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/39583660

End of Year Wrap-Up: Lessons from 2025 and Looking Ahead (366) 12/29/2025

End of Year Wrap-Up: Lessons from 2025 and Looking Ahead (366) As the year comes to a close, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Dr. David Peck for a wide-ranging end-of-year conversation reflecting on the highs, lows, and lessons of beekeeping in 2025. From disruptive winter losses and evolving varroa pressures to promising new tools and treatments on the horizon, this episode takes a clear-eyed look at where beekeeping stands today. The discussion opens with a listener question about siting bee yards, sparking a thoughtful exploration of how to evaluate apiary locations and approach landowners about hosting colonies. Drawing on real-world experience, Jeff, Becky, and David share what actually matters when selecting bee yards, why forage diversity and long-term observation are critical, and how patience—often across multiple seasons—leads to better outcomes. The conversation then turns to the realities of 2025: amitraz resistance, elevated virus levels, and the continued challenge of sustainable overwintering. David offers practical insight into management strategies, including splitting approaches, overwintered nucs, and the importance of controlling varroa to limit viral impacts. The group also highlights emerging tools such as VarroxSan, Api-Bioxal RTU, and Norroa, discussing where they fit into integrated mite management and where expectations should remain realistic. Despite the challenges, the episode closes on an optimistic note. From beekeepers experimenting with comb honey to improved education and collaboration across the community, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2026. It’s a candid, encouraging wrap-up for anyone committed to keeping healthier bees in a changing landscape. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Beescape.net: NASA HoneyBeeNet: North American Honey Bee Expo (NAHBE): 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: 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 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/39533770

Holiday Special with Jim Tew - The Promise of Bees (365) 12/22/2025

Holiday Special with Jim Tew - The Promise of Bees (365) This Holiday Special episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast brings together Jeff Ott, Becky Masterman, and Dr. Jim Tew from Honey Bee Obscura, for a warm, thoughtful conversation about bees, beekeeping, and reflection during Christmas week. With a special Santa Claus opener returning for another year, the episode sets a festive tone before settling into practical winter-season observations and the deeper meaning beekeeping brings this time of year. Jim shares insights into what honey bees are doing right now in winter clusters, how beekeepers can read subtle signs of life without opening hives, and why snow can sometimes be one of the best indicators of colony survival. Becky adds perspective from northern beekeeping, discussing winter brood patterns, cleansing flights, and emerging research on winter brood rearing across the U.S. Jeff rounds out the discussion with observations from sensor data and technology-assisted hive monitoring, prompting a lively exchange on tradition versus modern tools. The episode also explores the emotional side of winter losses, beekeeper intuition, and the responsibility felt when colonies don’t survive. Listener questions spark deeper discussion about how bees sense temperature and make life-or-death decisions in cold weather, reminding us how much there is still to learn about the superorganism. To close, the hosts look ahead to the North American Honey Bee Expo, thank the sponsors who make the podcast possible, and reflect on the “promise of bees” as a symbol of renewal, resilience, and hope heading into the new year. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: North American Honey Bee Expo (NAHBE): 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: 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 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/39459385

[Bonus] Short - Hive Debris Analysis with Dr. Dewey Caron 12/17/2025

[Bonus] Short - Hive Debris Analysis with Dr. Dewey Caron In this December Beekeeping Today Short, Dr. Dewey Caron offers a fascinating look at what our bees communicate through something we often ignore: hive debris. This episode continues Dewey’s ongoing monthly exploration of honey bee communication—bridging bee science, beekeeper decisions, and the bees’ own intricate signals. Drawing from his upcoming American Bee Journal review and the new book Bottom-Up Beekeeping by Ray Baxter, Dewey explains how debris boards can reveal far more than mite counts. From colony size and cluster position to brood activity, queen events, moisture issues, pollen usage, and even pest signatures, hive “trash” becomes a rich source of insights. Dewey also highlights practical techniques taught by Christine Kurtz, the “Petaluma Bee Lady,” whose debris-reading presentations have inspired many beekeepers to add this tool to their regular management. The episode closes with a deep dive into undertaker bees—how they detect death inside the hive, the chemical cues involved, and the essential role these workers play in colony hygiene. This Short offers a thoughtful preview of what listeners can expect when Dewey launches his new monthly mini-series Bee Science with Dr. Dewey Caron in January. It’s practical, insightful, and rooted in research—perfect for beekeepers looking to understand their colonies from the bottom up. Links and references mentioned in this episode: Petaluma Bee Lady: Paul Seifert Hive Recordings: Ray Baxte, Bottom-Up Beekeeping: Learning from the Debris on the Hive Floor, 2025 Northern Bee Books. Undertaker Bee Study: 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/39359680

Bees First, Honey Second with AJ & Chryssa Gardner (364) 12/15/2025

Bees First, Honey Second with AJ & Chryssa Gardner (364) This week on Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome AJ and Chryssa Gardner of REBEL44 to discuss an approach to beekeeping rooted in stewardship rather than production. What began as a small garden project quickly evolved into a carefully managed sideline operation now spanning multiple apiaries and more than a hundred colonies. AJ shares how observing bee behavior—and listening closely to what the bees “tell you”—shaped his management philosophy. Rather than focusing on maximizing honey yields, AJ emphasizes nutrition, gentle genetics, low mite pressure, and allowing colonies to overwinter on their own terms. That mindset has led to remarkable overwintering success and strong, resilient colonies. Chryssa adds an important perspective on food systems, honey authenticity, and why knowing the beekeeper behind the honey matters. Together, they explain how REBEL44 produces hyper-local, varietal honeys, harvested in short nectar windows that capture the unique character of specific plants, locations, and seasons. From blackberry to Japanese knotweed, each harvest tells a story. The conversation also explores their immersive educational experiences, where families, beginners, and even corporate groups suit up, step into the apiary, and reconnect with nature. AJ describes how these hands-on visits often change how people think about bees, food, and stewardship. This episode is a reminder that when beekeepers slow down, observe, and put bees first, the rewards—healthy colonies, meaningful education, and exceptional honey—follow naturally. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Rebel44 Website: 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: 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 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/39360010

Changes at BroodMinder (363) 12/08/2025

Changes at BroodMinder (363) BroodMinder has become one of the most trusted names in hive monitoring, and in this episode the team joins Jeff and Becky to share big news, new directions, and surprising insights from the field. Founder Rich Morris, software lead Amanda Stoltz, and global collaborator Lorenzo Pons sit down together during the BroodMinder Global Summit to talk about how the company has evolved, how beekeepers use hive data today, and what’s ahead for sensor-based management. Rich reflects on nearly a decade of development—from early temperature sensors to today’s multi-sensor hive ecosystem. Amanda, stepping into a new leadership role, talks about improving the user experience, the move toward mobile-first viewing, and how BroodMinder is balancing innovation with accessibility for beekeepers at all levels. Lorenzo brings a global perspective, describing how sensors help European beekeepers manage pollination services and adapt to rising hornet pressure. Together, the team explains why simple temperature sensors remain one of the most valuable tools for understanding colony health, how hive scales help track forage conditions, and how new technologies may soon support beekeepers in detecting varroa and hornet threats in real time. They also offer a candid look at designing products beekeepers can trust, balancing subscription models with affordability, and the humorous but real “Chart Addiction Club” that forms once beekeepers start watching their colonies’ data more closely than ever. Whether you’re considering your first sensor or already monitoring colonies remotely, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at how data tools are expanding what beekeepers can understand without opening a hive—and introduces the people shaping that future. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: BroodMinder website: 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: 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 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/39307855

Honey Bee Viruses with Declan Schroeder (362) 12/01/2025

Honey Bee Viruses with Declan Schroeder (362) This week on Beekeeping Today Podcast, Becky welcomes guest co-host Bridget Mendel as they sit down with virologist Dr. Declan Schroeder from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Together, they explore the unseen world of honey bee viruses—how they evolve, how they spread, and why understanding them is essential for modern beekeeping. Declan brings a fresh perspective to virus ecology, sharing how his early research on marine viruses led him into honey bee health just as colony losses began escalating worldwide. He describes why viruses were overlooked for so long and how the arrival of Varroa shifted viral dynamics from background agents to major colony-level threats. Becky and Bridget dig into what this means for beekeepers: why Varroa management remains the cornerstone of reducing virus pressure, how viruses move within and between colonies, and what new research is revealing about potential spillover concerns between honey bees and native bees. Declan discusses findings from a multi-year Minnesota study showing that while bumblebees may encounter honey bee viruses, they are rarely infected—an important distinction in ongoing conservation conversations. The discussion wraps with a look ahead: evolving virus–vector interactions, improved surveillance efforts, and the growing role of researchers and veterinarians in supporting beekeeper decision-making. It’s an engaging, approachable dive into a complex subject—one that every beekeeper will benefit from hearing. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: University of Minnesota Schroeder 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: 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 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/39204180

BeeCAUSE Alliance with Charlie Linder (361) 11/24/2025

BeeCAUSE Alliance with Charlie Linder (361) This week, we’re taking a close look at the future of beekeeping advocacy with BeeCAUSE Alliance, a new organization focused on industry collaboration, communication, and support. Our guest, Charlie Linder, shares how his years in commercial beekeeping, queen breeding, and honey production shaped his perspective on what beekeepers need most—and why building stronger relationships across the industry is becoming increasingly important. In this conversation, Charlie explains BeeCAUSE Alliance’s mission, its role alongside longstanding groups, and how their work aims to strengthen beekeeper education, legislative awareness, and the public’s understanding of honey bees. The focus keyphrase BeeCAUSE Alliance sits at the heart of the episode, as Charlie talks through the motivation behind forming the group, the challenges facing today’s beekeepers, and the opportunities to unite voices across beekeeping’s many sectors. We also explore Charlie’s personal path into beekeeping, the operations he runs today, and how he balances time in the bee yard with a growing leadership role. For anyone curious about how organizations shape the future of our industry—or what it really takes to launch a new national initiative—this conversation offers insight and thoughtful perspective. As always, thanks for listening. We appreciate your support of the Beekeeping Today Podcast and the work we do to inform, educate, and connect beekeepers everywhere. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: BeeCAUSE Alliance: Beekeeping Today: The Book - Photo Requests - . 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/39062465

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

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