Beekeeping Today Podcast

Latest Episodes:

North American Honey Bee Expo 2025 - Friday (313) Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

Join us for a special series of episodes recorded live from the floor of the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, KY, January 2–4, 2025. 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: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs 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 toStrong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

North American Honey Bee Expo 2025 - Thursday (312) Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

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: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

New Years Resolutions - 2025 (311) Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Happy New Year from all of us at Beekeeping Today Podcast! In this special holiday episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Jim Tew, co-host of the Honey Bee Obscura Podcast, to reflect on beekeeping in 2024 and look forward to 2025. Together, they discuss New Year's resolutions for the year ahead, from enhancing Varroa mite management practices to streamlining honey production and storage.

Jeff shares his focus on strengthening colonies through rigorous mite management, while Jim reflects on adapting to "age-related beekeeping," embracing technology like Bluetooth hive monitoring, and stepping back from physically demanding tasks like hive relocation. Becky highlights her plans to expand honey production, introduce new genetics, and approach equipment purchases with better organization.

The trio also gives listeners a sneak peek into exciting plans for 2025, including a new podcast series on scaling up beekeeping operations. From hobbyists looking to grow to sideliner beekeepers seeking tips on equipment, honey houses, and business strategy, this series promises actionable insights for every beekeeper.

Whether you're on your way to the North American Honey Bee Expo or enjoying some downtime during the holidays, this episode is filled with inspiration, humor, and practical tips for making 2025 a successful year in beekeeping.

Thank you for listening to Beekeeping Today Podcast! Don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.

Wishing you a productive and joyful New Year in your beekeeping journey!

Websites we recommend:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Holiday Special - 2024 (310) Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

It's the holiday season, and Jeff, Becky, and special guest Jim Tew from the Honey Bee Obscura Podcast are here to reflect on the year in beekeeping. From an unusually early spring to memorable moments with bees and family, they share personal stories and highlights from 2024.

Jim recounts adventures in the bee yard with his grandson Will, while Becky reflects on adapting to changing weather patterns to keep her colonies thriving. Together, they celebrate the joys and challenges of beekeeping, look back on their favorite podcast episodes, and express heartfelt gratitude to their loyal listeners.

Whether you're reminiscing about your own beekeeping year or looking for inspiration to carry into the next season, this lighthearted episode will leave you smiling. Happy holidays to you and your bees!

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Honey Bee Nutrition with Dr. Priya Basu (309) Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. Priya Basu to discuss one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of beekeeping: honey bee nutrition. Priya shares her expertise on what it takes to keep colonies thriving, diving into the critical role of proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Her approachable style and deep knowledge make complex topics easy to understand and apply, whether you're managing one hive or hundreds.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into feeding strategies across the seasons, including how to prepare colonies for winter and stimulate growth in spring. Priya explains why diverse, staggered forage is vital for healthy bees and how to recognize nutritional stress in your apiary. She also highlights her work on the Honey Bee Health Coalition's supplemental feeding guide, a resource every beekeeper should know about.

As the conversation unfolds, Priya discusses her research into how environmental factors, such as pesticide exposure, can impact honey bee health. From managing protein supplements to ensuring adequate carbohydrate reserves, you'll leave this episode with actionable advice to support your bees year-round.

Don't miss this engaging and informative episode with one of today's leading voices in pollinator research. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, Priya's insights will inspire you to take a closer look at the nutritional needs of your bees.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

HBHC Nutrition Guide: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nutritionguide/
Winter Capped Brood Monitoring: https://agriculture.auburn.edu/research/enpp/bee-lab/winter-capped-brood-monitoring/
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/
Priya's Children's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Honey-Bee-Young-Zoologist-Pollinating/dp/1684492823
Priya's Website: https://priyadarshinichakrabarti.com/
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Honey Bee Micro-Nutrition and Pollen with Dr. Ramesh Sagili (308) Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Ramesh Sagili of Oregon State University joins Jeff and Becky to dive deep into the fascinating world of honey bee nutrition and its critical role in hive health. From the complexities of macronutrients and micronutrients to the development of a national pollen nutritional database, Ramesh shares insights from his groundbreaking research. He explains how optimal nutrition not only helps bees combat stressors like Varroa mites and pathogens but also contributes to successful overwintering and queen rearing.

The episode also touches on the challenges of studying honey bee nutrition, including the intricate dynamics between larval and adult diets. Ramesh reveals his team's progress on a nationwide project to assess pollen quality, aiming to provide data-driven recommendations for planting pollinator-friendly habitats. He also offers a glimpse into his European Foulbrood study, linking the disease to poor nutrition during blueberry pollination.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why "a well-fed bee is a healthy bee" and learn actionable ways to support honey bee health through better forage and habitat management. Whether you're a backyard hobbyist or a commercial beekeeper, this episode is packed with insights to help you keep your colonies thriving.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

Oregon State University Bee Lab: https://honeybeelab.oregonstate.edu
EFB Research at OSU: https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/oregon-state-researchers-lead-42-million-usda-grant-study-disease-plaguing-honey-bees
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

World Atlas of Honey with Marina Marchese (307) Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Marina Marchese, celebrated honey sommelier and author of The World Atlas of Honey. Marina shares her journey from backyard beekeeper to internationally recognized honey expert and educator. She discusses the fascinating concept of honey terroir, explaining how soil, climate, and floral sources influence the flavor, color, and aroma of honey. With examples from her latest book, Marina guides listeners on a sensory journey, showcasing the diversity and cultural significance of honeys from around the globe.

Listeners will gain insights into how understanding honey's unique qualities can elevate its value, both at the farmer's market and in culinary applications. Marina also highlights the American Honey Tasting Society's efforts to educate beekeepers and enthusiasts through sensory training programs, offering tips on how anyone can start exploring the complex world of honey flavors.

The episode also features another thought-provoking Audio Postcard from Dr. Dewey Caron, who dives into the fascinating world of bee communication. He explores topics such as honeybee thermoregulation and how heater bees influence hive dynamics, adding depth to our understanding of bee behavior and survival strategies.

Whether you're a hobbyist, commercial beekeeper, or honey enthusiast, this episode will inspire you to appreciate honey as more than just a sweetener—it's an artisanal product with a story to tell.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

The World Atlas of Honey: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/the-world-atlas-of-honey/hardcover
The Honey Sommelier: https://www.honeysommelier.com
The American Honey Tasting Society: https://www.americanhoneytastingsociety.com/
Marina's Online Honey Tasting Course: https://www.atlasobscura.com/experiences/honey-tasting-online-course
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

The Propola Hive with Jeff Johnson (306) Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Jeff Johnson, co-founder of Premier Bee Products, for a fascinating discussion on the innovations shaping modern beekeeping. Jeff Johnson shares how a quest for better foundation led to the creation of Puracell, a plastic foundation that mimics natural honeycomb with precise cell sizes and thinner cell walls, designed to promote healthier colonies. Listeners will hear about the years of research and meticulous measurements that went into developing this foundation, giving bees the most natural environment possible within the hive.

The episode also dives into Premier Bee's latest development: the Propola Hive. Designed to mimic the rough, natural surfaces inside a tree, the Propola Hive encourages bees to build a propolis envelope around their living space. Jeff explains how propolis acts as a natural immune system for bees, helping colonies fight off pathogens. Inspired by the groundbreaking research of Dr. Marla Spivak, this hive design is already seeing enthusiastic adoption among both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how science and passion come together to support bee health. Jeff Johnson's dedication to improving beekeeping equipment with a beekeeper-first approach is inspiring and offers listeners valuable insights into the benefits of propolis and hive innovation.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

Premier Bee Products: https://www.premierbeeproducts.com
University of Minnesota, Marla Spivak Bee Lab: https://beelab.umn.edu/spivak-lab/research
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Monitoring the Hive with Broodminder's Rich and Lorenzo (305) Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Rich Morris and Lorenzo Pons of Broodminder, the innovative team behind hive monitoring technology that's helping beekeepers better understand their colonies. Rich and Lorenzo discuss the origins of Broodminder and how they've made high-tech hive monitoring accessible for beekeepers of all experience levels. They share how Broodminder's devices provide insights into brood levels, colony productivity, and even hive weight—essential indicators of colony health.

Listeners will also get a sneak peek into Broodminder's newest venture, BeeTV. This upcoming technology aims to monitor varroa mites inside the hive with an in-hive camera, providing beekeepers with continuous, real-time data on mite levels without the need for traditional testing methods. Rich shares how this breakthrough device, currently in beta testing, could transform mite management by offering an AI-driven approach to monitoring that's both efficient and non-invasive.

For those curious about practical applications, Lorenzo explains how the Broodminder team converts raw data into actionable insights, such as brood growth trends and swarm activity alerts. Jeff shares his experience using Broodminder's technology to monitor hive conditions remotely, helping him prioritize inspections and manage hive health more efficiently. In a fascinating segment, the team also reveals how Broodminder collaborated with researchers to study bee behavior during the recent solar eclipse using their BeeDar device.

This episode is a must-listen for tech-savvy beekeepers and anyone interested in the future of hive management. Rich and Lorenzo's passion for enhancing beekeeping through technology will leave you inspired to consider how these tools might benefit your own hives.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

Broodminder: https://broodminder.com
Bee Counted - Publicly accessible Broodminder installations: https://beecounted.org/
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Dead Bees Don't Make Honey with Theresa Martin (304) Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Theresa Martin, author of Dead Bees Don't Make Honey, as she shares insights into her distinctive approach to beekeeping. Theresa, who boasts an impressive 99% colony survival rate, attributes her success to a set of practical, research-informed techniques that prioritize colony health. From integrated pest management to methods inspired by nature, she provides a detailed look at practices that might just give your bees a stronger fighting chance. Listeners will enjoy Theresa's data-driven approach and her passion for science-backed beekeeping, a perspective shaped by her correspondence with Dr. Thomas Seeley.

Alongside practical tips, Theresa dives into her philosophy on the importance of adapting beekeeping methods to local conditions and the needs of individual colonies. She stresses that her approach is one of many, highlighting the diversity within the beekeeping community. For those intrigued by the role of technology in the hive, the episode also covers Theresa's use of sensors to monitor colonies and her commitment to documenting hive health data over the years.

This episode offers a fresh take on keeping bees healthy and productive, blending science with hands-on experience. Tune in to discover new ideas and perspectives that could enhance your own beekeeping practice.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend: