Beekeeping Today Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Regional Beekeepers - Fall 2024 (303) Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky bring together beekeepers from different regions across the U.S. to discuss the unique challenges they faced this past season. From Arizona's intense heat to Washington's unusually wet spring, our guests share insights into how varying climates impact bee health, honey production, and mite control. Duane in Arizona talks about keeping bees cool in record-breaking temperatures, while Paul in Washington dealt with an extended rainy season. Jay in Tennessee and Bonnie in California highlight their experiences with drought and dry conditions affecting nectar flows, and Ang explains how seasonal shifts influenced her queen production and climate resilience trials.

Listeners will get a fascinating look at how each beekeeper adapts to their local environment and manages the persistent challenge of mites with innovative methods, including new treatments and genetic selection. The roundtable discussion showcases just how much location matters, even as universal problems like mite control and colony health bring everyone together.

This conversation is packed with practical advice, making it a valuable listen for beekeepers everywhere looking to improve their practices and understand more about the art and science of regional beekeeping.

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.

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. Order now and pick up at our booth at the North American Honey Bee Expo! https://usa.hivealivebees.com/pages/nahbe-2025-pre-order-portal.

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

The Habitat Crisis #4 - Bee and Butterfly Fund (302) Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

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 Butterfly Habitat Fund, a program that has been making significant strides in creating high-quality, sustainable pollinator habitats. In this conversation, they share success stories of how their innovative projects have restored honey bee forage and even brought back native bee species in areas where they had previously disappeared.

Listeners will hear about the challenges of habitat loss, the importance of preparing land for pollinator-friendly planting, and how well-managed habitats can make a measurable difference for beekeepers and wildlife alike. Zac offers personal insights into how the program has transformed his own apiary, making it one of his top-producing sites. This episode is filled with practical advice for landowners, farmers, and beekeepers who want to contribute to pollinator health while benefiting from the ripple effects on other species, like monarch butterflies and pheasants.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

Bee & Habitat Fund: https://www.beeandbutterflyfund.org
NASA Honey Bee Net Website: https://honeybeenet.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Minnesota Honey Producers Association: https://minnesotahoneyproducers.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

The Habitat Crisis Series is presented by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association. The Minnesota Honey Producers Association (MHPA) is comprised of commercial, sideliner, and backyard beekeepers and has promoted Minnesota beekeeping since the early 1900's. The recently established MHPA Habitat Program aims to provide information about vital honey bee habitat and nutrition issues by: 1) informing and uniting beekeepers around efforts to promote honey bee habitat; 2) supporting opportunities to increase honey bee habitat; and 3) improving communication about honey bee and pollinator habitat to landowners, farmers, and legislators.

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HiveAlive offers a unique supplement with seaweed extracts, thyme, and lemongrass, proven to maintain low disease levels, increase bee populations, boost honey production, improve bee gut health, and enhance overwinter survival. Check out their new HiveAlive EZ Feed Super Syrup this fall! Visit www.usa.hivealivebees.com and use code "BTP" for a special discount.

Thanks toStrong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.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 Habitat Crisis #3 - Dr. Diana Cox-Foster (301) Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

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, revealing the impact of habitat loss on bee populations. You'll hear about her team's innovative studies on the carrying capacity of environments and how honey bee colonies can coexist with native species without negatively affecting them—so long as floral resources are sufficient.

Listeners will also learn about the importance of creating more bee pastures, strategies to improve pollinator health, and the challenges posed by habitat degradation, climate change, and pesticide use. Diana's research sheds light on how to balance the needs of managed honey bees and wild pollinators, offering science-based solutions to restore and protect critical habitats. This episode offers valuable information for beekeepers and anyone interested in supporting pollinators in the face of a changing environment.

Listen today!

Websites we recommend:

USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit: https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/pollinating-insect-biology-management-systematics-research/
Beescape: https://pollinators.psu.edu/bee-health/beescape
Minnesota Honey Producers Association: https://minnesotahoneyproducers.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

The Habitat Crisis #2 - Dr. Andony Melathopoulos (300) Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

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 sustaining bee populations. He discusses how shifts in land use, agriculture, and climate have impacted nectar and pollen availability, leading to reduced honey yields and challenges for beekeepers. Andony also highlights the importance of targeted conservation efforts, such as planting legumes and brassicas, to improve forage for honey bees. For those interested in understanding the connection between habitat and bee health, Andony's insights offer practical solutions that can be applied both at a local and national level.

Listeners will learn about innovative strategies to restore bee habitats, the differences between supporting honey bees and wild bees, and how targeted efforts can make a significant impact. Whether you're a beekeeper or simply interested in pollinator conservation, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to contribute to the health of pollinators.

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

PolliNation - Andony's Podcast: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/podcast/pollination-podcast
Oregon Bee Atlas: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/bee-atlas
Oregon Bee Project: https://www.oregonbeeproject.org
Project Apis m.: https://www.projectapism.org/
Minnesota Honey Producers Association: https://minnesotahoneyproducers.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

The Habitat Crisis #1 - Dr. Gabriela Quinlan (299) Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

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 importance of diverse forage and the role of soils in supporting strong pollinator populations. She also dives into insights gathered from the USDA NASS database, revealing how changes in land use, herbicide application, and climate shifts have contributed to the decline in honey production over the past several decades.

Gabriela's passion for pollinator health shines through as she discusses her research on the benefits of natural honey versus artificial feeds for overwintering colonies and introduces listeners to the innovative BEESCAPE tool for analyzing local forage availability.

Tune in for an informative conversation filled with actionable insights on how beekeepers, landowners, and nature enthusiasts can help improve pollinator habitats.

Websites we recommend:

USDA NASS Database: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Data_and_Statistics/
BEEScape: https://beescape.psu.edu/
Minnesota Honey Producers Association: https://minnesotahoneyproducers.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

Bee Regenerative with Sarah Red-Laird (298) Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

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 challenges and rewards of working with native pollinators, honey bees, and agricultural landscapes, and how Sarah's work in regenerative agriculture is building healthier ecosystems.

From discussing the unique grazing habits of bison on pollinator habitats to exploring her passion for native bee surveys, Sarah offers a fresh perspective on habitat restoration and the importance of integrating livestock into regenerative practices. You'll also learn how her team is using innovative art projects to bring the message of pollinator conservation to new audiences.

Whether you're interested in honey bees, native pollinators, or sustainable agriculture, this episode will offer valuable insights for every listener.

Listen today!

You can learn more and donate to Bee Regenerative by clicking on Sarah's website below.

Websites we recommend:

Bee Girl / Bee Regenerative Website: https://www.beegirl.org/regenerate
American Association of Professional Apiculturists: https://aapa.us.org/
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE): https://www.sare.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

The Golden Age of Beekeeping with Peter Borst (297) Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

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 beekeeping's "golden age," a time of innovation when beekeepers like A.I. Root revolutionized the industry by standardizing equipment and making beekeeping more accessible.

Peter also highlights lesser-known figures in beekeeping history, including women like Ellen Tupper and Jenny Ashley, whose contributions were pivotal but often overlooked. Listeners will enjoy hearing about the colorful characters, challenges, and advancements that shaped beekeeping as we know it today.

With his engaging storytelling and deep knowledge, Peter offers a unique perspective on how the industry's past informs its present, making this episode a must-listen for anyone curious about the roots of modern beekeeping.

Listen today!

Websites we recommend:

Peter's Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Beekeeping-Peter-Loring-Borst/dp/1914934822
Dr. Christine Grozinger on BTP, "Honey Bee Genetics & Behavior": https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/honey-bee-genetics-and-behavior-with-dr-christine-grozinger-s6-e50/
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 Veterinarians with Tracy Farone, DVM (296) Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

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 care can benefit beekeepers.

Tracy discusses the FDA's 2017 mandate requiring veterinarians to prescribe antibiotics for honey bees, explaining how this has created both challenges and opportunities. She emphasizes the need for stronger relationships between veterinarians and beekeepers, noting that bees should be treated with the same care and attention as other farm animals. Tracy also introduces concepts like strategic deworming and integrated pest management, which are commonly used in large animal care but have clear applications in beekeeping.

Listeners will learn about the growing movement of veterinarians who are being trained to care for honey bees and how beekeepers can proactively seek out veterinary advice to better manage their colonies. This episode provides practical insights into how animal health frameworks can be adapted for honey bees, helping to bridge the gap between veterinary medicine and beekeeping.

Listen today!

Websites we recommend:

Tracey's book: https://www.northernbeebooks.co.uk/products/farone-honey-bee-vet/
Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium: https://www.hbvc.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

Bee Smart Designs with CEO Cliff Struhl (295) Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

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 the origins of his company and how his background in plastics and molding led him to develop products that stand out in the beekeeping world. From the first hive stand he designed to the latest innovations, Cliff explains how BeeSmart Designs focuses on durability, practicality, and user-friendly features.

Listeners will learn about the thought process behind BeeSmart's product lineup and the practical use of plastic in beekeeping. Cliff also touches on the importance of biosecurity and how his products are designed to help beekeepers maintain healthier hives with less effort.

This episode is a must-listen for beekeepers interested in the latest equipment innovations and those looking to enhance their beekeeping practices with products that offer real, practical benefits.

Listen today!

Websites we recommend:

Bee Smart Designs: https://beesmartdesigns.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

Seaweeds and Honey Bees with Dara Scott (294) Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

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 Oceanographic Institute has given him a unique perspective on problem-solving and innovation, which he now applies to beekeeping.

Dara talks about the creation of HiveAlive, a globally recognized bee supplement based on seaweed extracts. He explains how the supplement, which also includes thymol and lemongrass, is designed to improve bee health by combating diseases like Nosema. Dara also introduces some of HiveAlive's latest products, including a fondant designed to prevent winter starvation and the new EZ Feed Super Syrup, which simplifies the feeding process for beekeepers.

Listeners will learn about the science behind using seaweed in bee nutrition, and how HiveAlive's products are backed by extensive research and testing. Dara's passion for innovation and his commitment to improving beekeeping practices are evident throughout the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing the health and productivity of their hives.

Listen today!

Websites we recommend!