In this final episode of our month-long Habitat Crisis series, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky are joined by Pete Berthelsen and Zac Browning to discuss the critical role habitat restoration plays in supporting honey bee health and overall pollinator well-being. Pete and Zac are leaders of The Bee and Butt…

In this third episode of our month-long Habitat Crisis series, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Diana Cox-Foster from the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit. Diana shares fascinating insights from her research on the complex interactions between honey bees and native pollinators, r…

In the second episode of our month-long series on the Habitat Crisis, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Andony Melathopoulos from Oregon State University. Andony brings his extensive knowledge of honey bee and wild bee health to the conversation, focusing on the critical role habitat plays …

In this episode, Jeff and Becky kick off a month-long series on the habitat crisis, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, with special guest Dr. Gabriela Quinlan, an integrative ecologist focused on honey bee and pollinator nutrition. Gabriela shares her expertise on how habitat quality impacts bee health, emphasizing the impo…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Sarah Red-Laird, founder and co-director of Bee Regenerative, formerly known as the Bee Girl Organization. Sarah shares insights into her journey from founding the Bee Girl Organization to leading impactful regenerative agriculture projects that benefit pollinators. Listeners will hear about the challen…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Peter Borst, author of The Golden Age of Beekeeping. Peter shares fascinating insights into the history of beekeeping, exploring how the industry evolved from a disorganized practice into a standardized and structured operation. He explains why the period from the 1860s to 1920 is often referred to as b…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Tracy Farone, a large animal veterinarian who has applied her expertise to honey bees. Tracy shares her journey from caring for cows and horses to becoming a go-to resource for honey bee health. She dives into the importance of viewing bees as livestock and how a veterinarian’s approach to animal ca…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Cliff Struhl, CEO of BeeSmart Designs, for an engaging conversation about innovation in beekeeping equipment. Cliff shares his unique journey into beekeeping, which began with a simple favor for a friend and quickly evolved into a passion for creating smarter, more efficient beekeeping tools. Cliff discusses …

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dara Scott, CEO and founder of HiveAlive, to discuss his journey in beekeeping and the innovative products his company offers. Dara shares how his fascination with beekeeping began over 25 years ago, inspired by his travels in New Zealand. His background in marine research at the prestigious Woods Hole Oceano…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Etienne Tardiff, a beekeeper from the Yukon, who shares his unique approach to wintering bees in some of the coldest climates imaginable. Etienne, blending his engineering background with hands-on experience, discusses the importance of managing temperature and insulation within the hive during long, ha…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Kamon Reynolds, the beekeeper behind the North American Honey Bee Expo. Kamon shares his journey from a young beekeeper to managing a full-time business and organizing a major beekeeping conference. Listeners will learn about Kamon’s strategies for managing queen issues, including the importance of havi…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Jeff Pettis and Carlos Perea to discuss some groundbreaking developments in the fight against varroa mites. Dr. Pettis, a renowned research scientist with over 20 years of experience at the USDA and current president of Apimondia, brings his extensive knowledge of honey bee health and the challenges…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. Jay Evans from the USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Lab. Jay shares his vast experience and insights into honey bee research, focusing on the critical issues affecting beekeepers today. From his beginnings studying ants to his current role in bee research, Jay offers a fascinating perspective on the complexities o…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Jim Tew to discuss the little nagging issues every beekeeper face, humorously termed "bee peeves." Jim, a seasoned beekeeper and co-host of the Honey Bee Obscura podcast, brings his extensive experience and wit to the conversation, making this episode both enlightening and entertaining. Jim shares h…

In this engaging episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Frank Linton, a seasoned beekeeper and author with a deep passion for observation hives. Frank shares his unique journey into beekeeping, sparked by his grandfather's influence and reignited years later with his first observation hive. Listeners will be captivated by Frank's enthusiasm and extensive …

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Andy Pedley, a retired Environmental Health Officer and experienced beekeeper from the UK. Andy shares his extensive knowledge on food safety in the context of honey production, an often overlooked but critical aspect of beekeeping. With over 30 years of beekeeping experience, Andy provides invaluable i…

In this episode, hosts Jeff and Becky chat with Brooke Decker and Natasha Garcia-Anderson from the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA). Brooke and Natasha share their extensive knowledge and experiences as regulatory officials dedicated to supporting beekeepers and maintaining bee health across North America. Brooke, the Pollinator Health Specialist…

In this episode, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman sit down with John Hill, the innovative force behind HillCo Bees, a quickly emerging player in the beekeeping equipment industry. John shares his inspiring journey from a young enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur, offering listeners a unique insight into the rapid growth and development of his…

In this insightful episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Master Beekeeper David Burns. David, a well-known figure in the beekeeping community, shares his extensive knowledge and experiences, offering invaluable advice for beekeepers of all levels. From his early, adventurous beginnings to becoming an EA…

During this seventh year anniversary week of the podcast, we bring you this special memorial episode honoring our former co-host, colleague, and dear friend, Kim Flottum, who passed away in December 10, 2023. This episode is dedicated to celebrating Kim’s remarkable life and his immense contributions to the beekeeping community. Join hosts Jeff Ott…

Welcome to a special episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, presented by Betterbee. As we kick off our seventh year and celebrate the first day of Pollinator Week, we are thrilled to bring you a conversation filled with insights and stories that highlight the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems. In this episode, Jeff and Becky delve into …

(281) Join us in this episode as we delve into the sophisticated world of beekeeping record management, focusing on the innovative platform, HiveTracks! Explore the capabilities of HiveTracks—a mobile app and cloud-based system designed to streamline beekeeping management. Our dialogue with James Wilkes and Max Rünzel, the visionaries behind HiveTr…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky delve into the groundbreaking development of the first American Foulbrood (AFB) vaccine for honeybees with Annette Kleiser, co-founder of Dalan Animal Health, and Tim Ferris, a commercial beekeeper based in Pennsylvania and New Zealand. Annette shares her journey from concept to market, highlighting the challenges fa…

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Christina Grozinger, a distinguished researcher from Penn State University, who delves into her extensive work on bee behavior, genetics, and the vital role of nutrition in bee health. As the director of the Center for Pollinator Research, Dr. Grozinger offers invaluable insights into the complexit…

In this fun episode of our podcast, we're diving deep into the topics of bee health and maximizing honey production with insights from Steve Donohoe and Paul Horton, seasoned beekeepers from the UK. These experts share their pioneering strategies detailed in their new book, Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives, aimed at enhancing hive productivity and bee wel…

(#277) In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of honey bee virology with Dr. Michelle Flenniken from Montana State University. As a seasoned researcher specializing in honey bee viruses, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge that's both enlightening and essential for understanding the health challenges our bees face. This episode is pac…

(#276) In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Kaira Wagoner of Optera, who introduces us to groundbreaking research in bee hygiene. Kaira shares her extensive study on hygienic behavior in honey bees, a critical trait that helps colonies combat pathogens like varroa mites and various bee diseases. This episode not only dives deep into t…

In this latest episode, we dive deep into our seasonal segment, "Regional Beekeeper Updates." This episode offers a rich compilation of insights as beekeepers from various U.S. regions share the unique challenges and triumphs of their beekeeping experiences. Our hosts, Jeff and Becky, guide listeners through a series of engaging discussions with be…

(#274) Welcome to this informative episode of the "Beekeeping Today Podcast," featuring a detailed discussion with Christy Payne from Collinsville, Oklahoma. This episode is designed to provide both new and experienced beekeepers with insights into advanced beekeeping practices and the integration of beekeeping within corporate environments. In our…

(#273) In this enlightening episode, we delve into the complex world of Varroa management with the insightful Dr. Kirsty Stainton. As beekeepers eagerly set up their new colonies, the specter of Varroa destructor looms large, threatening the health and productivity of hives across the globe. Kirsty, armed with her profound expertise and passion for…

(#272) In the latest episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, we dive into the pressing issues facing beekeepers today with our guest, Dr. Erika Plettner from Simon Fraser University. As beekeepers, we are all too familiar with the challenge of managing Varroa mites, a pervasive threat to our hives and the global bee population. Dr. Plettner brings…

(#271) In this enlightening episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Thomas Seeley, a celebrated biologist and author, to discuss his latest book, "Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz Runners: 20 Mysteries of Honey Bees Solved." Dr. Seeley shares his deep fascination with the individual behaviors of work…

(#271) In this captivating episode, Jeff and Becky chat with Bo Sterk, the visionary founder of Bees Beyond Borders, an organization dedicated to uplifting communities through beekeeping in the Caribbean. This episode delves into Bo's three decades of beekeeping experience, highlighting his profound impact on economically challenged regions by usin…

(#269) In this episode, Becky and her guest cohost and Bee Culture writing partner, Bridget Mendel, take you on a journey with Liz Frost, an American beekeeper turned technical specialist in honeybees for the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries in Australia. Frost shares her transition from the U.S. to Australia, offering a unique pers…

(#268) In the concluding episode of our four-part series on "How To Get Started With Bees," we explore the crucial topics of parasites, pathogens, predators, and pesticides—from this point on, to be collectively known as the “four Ps of beekeeping”. Our hosts, along with guest, Jim Tew and David Peck, tackle these challenges with optimism, aiming t…

(#267) In "How To Get Started With Bees," part three of our four-part series, we delve deeper into the essential steps for budding beekeepers. This episode focuses on equipment selection, emphasizing the critical decision between new and used gear, and the potential risks associated with each. Our experts, including Honey Bee Obscura's Jim Tew and …

(#266) In this episode, Jeff, Becky, and Jim dive deep into the world of developing advanced beekeeping skills. The trio revisits the 2020 foundational series on getting started with bees, adding a fresh perspective with new insights for 2024. They tackle the essentials of beekeeping, emphasizing the journey from beginner to experienced keeper, and…

(#265) Welcome to a new chapter in beekeeping with the Beekeeping Today Podcast, presented by Betterbee. In today’s special episode, "How to Get Started with Bees in 2024, Part 1," we kick off a four-week series revisiting and expanding upon our 2020 foundational series for beekeepers. Jeff Ott, alongside co-hosts Becky Masterman and Jim Tew from t…

(#264) In this week’s episode, we explore into the fascinating world of drones with Dr. Brock Harpur from Purdue University. Listen and discover the critical role drones play in bee colony health and how current research is challenging previous misconceptions about these maligned members of the hive. Dr. Harpur shares his journey from a studious ki…

In this week’s episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, we're excited to have Dr. Erica Shelley, CEO and founder of Best For Bees, rejoin us. Best For Bees is at the forefront with their innovative ProtectaBEE hive entrances, designed for multifunctional use, including a groundbreaking method for applying a fungal powder to combat varroa mites. We delv…

In this episode we're excited to introduce Anna, a Stanford University freshman and hobby beekeeper from Campbell, California. With a passion for honey bees and a background in engineering and science, Anna has embarked on an intriguing journey to address the decline in bee populations, focusing on the critical issue of queen failure. Anna’s innova…

In this episode, we delve into a pivotal event in the North American beekeeping calendar: the annual migration of over two million honey bee colonies to California's almond orchards. This massive movement, spanning mid-February to mid-March, marks the beginning of the beekeeping year. Coordinating this migration demands meticulous planning and coll…

Every hobbyist beekeeper eventually contemplates scaling up to a commercial operation with thousands of hives. Our podcast guest, Charlie Linder, embraced this challenge and has been forging ahead ever since. Initially, Charlie's beekeeping business centered on honey production. However, facing declining wholesale honey prices and competition from …

In this episode, Dr. Eva Reinicke, DVM, of Northfield, Minnesota joins Becky and guest cohost, Dr. Meghan Milbrath, assistant professor at Michigan State University. One focus of Meghan’s MSU bee lab is honey bee medicine training for veterinary practitioners. Her expertise is perfect for chatting with Eva who has been practicing honey bee medicine…

Recorded live from the Beekeeping Today Podcast booth at the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, Jeff prepared this update from special guests who stopped by the booth and from the floor, on the last day of the Expo Included in this special episode are: Cliff Struhl - Bee Smart Designs Aaron and John - Pierco The Roses (attendees…

Recorded live from the Beekeeping Today Podcast booth at the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, Jeff prepared this update from special guests who stopped by the booth. Included in this special episode are: Attending beekeepers Dr. Erica Shelley - Better For Bees Anna Kaur and John Turpin - StrongMicrobials Dr. Larry Connor - Wic…

Happy New Year! As we embark on a new year, often marked by resolutions, we're excited to present a New Year's Archive Special. Join Jeff and Becky as they revisit Jeff‘s and Kim’s insightful interview with Colorado beekeeper Tom Theobald, in 2021. While Tom might not be the inventor of the two-queen colony management system for increasing honey yi…

Merry Christmas from Beekeeping Today Podcast! If you're tuning in on this festive day, we're glad to have you with us. The holiday season is a cherished time for family and friends, and though we dearly miss our beloved colleague, Kim Flottum, we're here to bring some warmth and reflection to your day. In this Holiday episode, Becky and Jeff are d…

Welcome to this week’s episode where we've woven together a rich tapestry of stories and expertise to enrich your winter days and nights with the fascinating world of bees. Ed Colby: High-Altitude Beekeeping Tales We start with our regular contributor, Ed Colby, a seasoned beekeeper from Colorado's Western Slopes. Ed's bees thrive in the high altit…

In this episode we are joined by Grace Foster-Reid, the visionary behind Ecofarms Jamaica. Ecofarms is not only a beacon of sustainable beekeeping in the Caribbean but also a platform for uplifting disadvantaged groups, including individuals who are deaf. Grace shares the compelling story of Ecofarms, from its humble beginnings to becoming a model …