Beekeeping Today Podcast

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Podcast Memorial to Kim Flottum (283) Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

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, Becky Masterman, and Honey Bee Obscura's, Jim Tew, as they reflect on Kim's enduring legacy. This heartfelt tribute includes touching memories and stories shared by friends, colleagues, and family members during Kim's memorial service held in April in Medina, Ohio. Hear from Kim's friends those he touched, like Brenda Bray, Tracy Alarcon, and Eugene Makovec, who recount their cherished moments with Kim and the profound impact he had on their lives and careers.

Kim Flottum was a cornerstone of our podcast and the Honey Bee Obscura Podcast. His passion, knowledge, and warmth made a lasting impression on all who knew him. From his early days at The A.I. Root Company to his influential role in beekeeping media, Kim's curiosity and dedication to learning were truly inspiring.

Listen today and hear these moving tributes and to celebrate the life of a true beekeeping legend. You can leave your own remembrances in the comments section of this episode.

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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 heir 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; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott

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

Seventh Year Anniversary Special with Pollinator Partnership (282) Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

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 the fascinating world of pollinators with our guest, Anthony Colangelo, the Outreach and Education Specialist from Pollinator Partnership. Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge about pollinators, sharing his current projects across North America and his involvement in the Pollinator Steward Certification Program.

Join us as we discuss:

- The diverse roles of various pollinators in our environment.

- The unique challenges and adaptations of bees in extreme climates.

- Practical tips for beekeepers to protect themselves and their bees from common pests like ticks.

- Anthony's involvement in groundbreaking initiatives like Bee Friendly Farming and the importance of community science projects like iNaturalist.

As we celebrate this milestone—our 282nd episode—not only do we reflect on the journey so far, but we also emphasize the ongoing need for awareness and action to support pollinator health globally. Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartwarming stories to inspire your practice.

Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that connects beekeepers and nature enthusiasts with the critical issues facing pollinators today. Tune in to learn, laugh, and be part of our growing community dedicated to making a difference in the world of beekeeping and beyond.

Listen Today!

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

Pollinator Partnership: https://pollinator.org
Bee Friendly Farming: https://www.pollinator.org/bff
Bee Friendly Gardening: https://www.pollinator.org/bfg
Pollinator Steward Certification: https://www.pollinator.org/psc
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.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

Much More Than Record Keeping with HiveTracks (S6, E52) Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

(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 HiveTracks, showcases the evolution of this platform and its pivotal role in empowering beekeepers with strategic, data-driven decisions about their hives.

Listeners will discover the extensive benefits of using HiveTracks for record-keeping, including simplified hive inspections and integrated weather data for optimal planning. The platform caters to beekeepers of all scales, from hobbyists to commercial operators, ensuring a tailored experience to meet each user's unique needs.

Furthermore, we discuss the advanced features of HiveTracks, such as its community insights capabilities which harness the collective expertise of the beekeeping community to provide dynamic insights and regional updates. Another innovative feature for beekeepers who market and sell honey is "Honey Stories," which allows beekeepers to share the unique narrative of each honey jar through a shareable public profile link via a simple QR code.

Don't miss this enlightening exploration of how technology like HiveTracks is not only simplifying beekeeping management but also fostering a more interconnected beekeeping community. Whether you are an experienced beekeeper or a newcomer, understanding the tools available can profoundly impact your success and enjoyment of the craft.

Listen Today!

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

HiveTracks: https://www.hivetracks.com
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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This episode is brought to you by Dalan Animal Health. Dalan is dedicated to providing transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. We are redrawing the boundaries of animal health by bringing our vaccine technology platform to underserved animal populations, such as honeybees and other invertebrates.

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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

All New AFB Vaccine with Dalan Animal Health (S6, E51) Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

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 faced in creating a vaccine for bees, a vital yet often overlooked livestock. Tim discusses his practical experiences with the vaccine, emphasizing its importance in preventing the devastating effects of AFB.

American Foulbrood has long been a severe threat to beekeeping, capable of destroying entire colonies due to its highly contagious nature. Historically, the only control methods were burning infected hives or using antibiotics. This episode explores the innovative approach of using an oral vaccine, which offers a promising solution to this persistent problem.

Learn about the future implications of this pioneering vaccine and its role in enhancing bee health and sustainability.

(Photo above courtesy USDA)

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

Dalan Animal Health: https://dalan.com
BTP Episode with Dr. Keith Delaplane on the Research: https://beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/s5e30
Honey Bee Health Coalition Foulbrood Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/managing-foulbrood/

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.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 Genetics and Behavior with Dr. Christine Grozinger (S6, E50) May 27, 2024

Show notes

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 complexities of pollen nutrition and its critical impact on bee resilience and hive productivity.

Listeners will benefit from a deep dive into how various stressors like pesticides, poor nutrition, and parasites affect bee colonies at a molecular level. Dr. Grozinger discusses her pioneering research in understanding the genetic underpinnings of bee behavior, particularly how genes from the queen and drones influence colony dynamics and individual bee actions.

Moreover, this episode covers the groundbreaking development of Beescape, an online tool that provides beekeepers with detailed information about their local environment, including land use, floral resources, and potential pesticide exposure. This tool is designed to help beekeepers and researchers make informed decisions to enhance the health and productivity of their colonies.

Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or new to the field, this episode is packed with cutting-edge scientific findings and practical guidance that can transform your beekeeping practices and help ensure the sustainability of your hives.

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

Penn State BeeScape: https://pollinators.psu.edu/bee-health/beescape
Penn State Center for Pollinator Research: https://pollinators.psu.edu

Honey Bee Health Coalition Varroa Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.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

Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives with Steve Donohoe and Paul Horton (S6, E49) May 20, 2024

Show notes

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 wellbeing.

Listeners will discover practical advice on various aspects of beekeeping, from queen management to handling Varroa mites, emphasizing the importance of strong, healthy colonies for successful honey production. The discussion also touches on innovative approaches to hive management, tailored to keeping bees thriving in the changing climates and landscapes that beekeepers face today.

This episode is not just for those looking to turn their beekeeping hobby into a business—it's also for any beekeeper striving to understand more deeply how to maintain the health of their hives while optimizing honey yield. Through engaging stories and clear, actionable guidance, Steve and Paul illustrate how strategic hive management and understanding bee biology can lead to more robust bee colonies and, consequently, better honey production.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from two of the leading minds in beekeeping today. Tune in to learn how to keep your bees healthier and your hives heavier!

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Bees-Heavy-Hives-maximise/dp/1914934679
Honey Bee Health Coalition Varroa Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.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 Viruses with Dr. Michelle Flenniken (S6, E48) May 13, 2024

Show notes

(#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 packed with insights on how honey bees combat viruses through their immune systems and the significant impact of environmental factors on their health. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between bee biology and viral pathogens, highlighting the critical role of beekeepers in managing hive health.

Michelle's research focuses on the immune responses of honey bees to various viral infections and explores potential strategies for enhancing bee health through genetic and environmental interventions. Her work is pivotal in paving the way for future advancements in beekeeping practices and viral mitigation techniques.

Whether you're a new or long-time beekeeper, this episode offers valuable lessons on the importance of monitoring hive health, understanding the signs of viral infections, and implementing effective management strategies to support robust and resilient bee colonies.

So, tune in to enrich your knowledge and equip yourself with the tools to better protect your bees against the ever-present threat of viruses. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field of honey bee health.

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

Montana State University Pollinator Lab: http://www.montana.edu/pollinators/
Honey Bee Health Coalition Varroa Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.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

Dr. Kaira Wagoner - Hygienic Bee Behavior (S6, E47) May 06, 2024

Show notes

(#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 the science behind bee hygiene but also discusses how beekeepers can apply these insights practically.

Our hosts, Jeff and Becky, engage Kaira in a detailed discussion about her latest invention, UBeeO, a tool designed to assess the hygienic behavior of bee colonies efficiently. This revolutionary assay allows beekeepers to identify and breed from colonies that naturally exhibit strong hygienic traits, thus potentially reducing the need for chemical treatments against pests and diseases.

Listeners will gain an understanding of how UBeeO works and its implications for bee health management and queen breeding practices. Dr. Wagoner explains the concept of "hygienic behavior" and how it enables bees to detect and eliminate brood affected by health issues, enhancing the overall resilience of the hive.

This episode is particularly valuable for beekeepers interested in sustainable practices and those looking to enhance the genetic traits of their bee colonies through selective breeding. Whether you're a backyard beekeeper or manage a large apiary, the insights offered by Kaira will inspire you to consider new strategies for maintaining healthy bees

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

Optera: https://opterabees.com
Honey Bee Health Coalition Varroa Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.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

Regional Beekeepers: Spring 2024 (S6, E46) Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

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 beekeepers from contrasting environments, highlighting the diverse conditions that influence beekeeping practices. For example, Paul Longwell from Olympia, Washington, enjoys the benefits of a temperate climate which offers a variety of pollen and nectar sources, contrasting sharply with Duane Combs in Phoenix, Arizona, who shares innovative techniques to combat extreme heat and ensure hive survival.

Listeners will find valuable lessons in the stories of Jay Williams and Ang Roell, who bring to life the realities of regional beekeeping. Jay, operating out of Nashville, Tennessee, talks about the extensive public support for beekeeping in his area, which enhances his business centered around agritourism and educational outreach. Meanwhile, Ang, who keeps bees in both Massachusetts and North Carolina, discusses the logistics and learning opportunities that come from managing hives in two distinct climates, emphasizing the role of local knowledge in successful queen rearing and colony management.

This episode not only addresses the challenges faced by beekeepers but also celebrates the resilience and adaptability of the beekeeping community. Whether discussing pest management strategies in Northern California with Bonnie Morse or innovative hive cooling methods in Arizona with Duane Combs, the episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories.

Essential listening for anyone engaged or interested in the nuances of regional beekeeping, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge, especially beneficial for those in the early stages of their beekeeping journey.

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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

Christy Payne - Urban Beekeeping for Hire (S6, E45) Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

(#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 conversation, Christy Payne shares her journey into beekeeping which began from the necessity to improve pollination in her garden and expanded to her becoming a key figure in urban beekeeping at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tulsa. Listeners will benefit from her experiences in managing hives in a corporate setting, discussing both the logistical and ecological aspects of urban beekeeping.

Throughout the episode, Christy also addresses the practicalities of maintaining hives in city environments, the importance of proper nutrition for bees, and reviews innovative beekeeping tools that can aid beekeepers in optimizing hive health and productivity.

Additionally, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman enrich the discussion with their expert insights, offering further guidance on beekeeping best practices and sustainable management. This episode serves as an excellent resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of modern beekeeping challenges and solutions.

Moreover, Christy's involvement in educational initiatives for the community underscores the significant role beekeepers can play in promoting environmental stewardship and biodiversity through public engagement and corporate partnerships.

We invite you to listen to this episode for a comprehensive look at the strategies that can help you manage your hives more effectively and play a part in urban sustainability efforts. Stream this episode and access further beekeeping resources at www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com.

Links and websites mentioned in this episode: