(#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 ..read more

(#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 bee health, offers a deep dive into the intricacies of battling this pervasive parasite. Listeners will be equipped with actionable strategies for early detection, understanding the critical role of monitoring, and the integration of management prac ..read more

(#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 a refreshing perspective to this challenge, sharing her innovative research on disrupting the chemoreceptors of Varroa mites, offering a potential breakthrough in our ongoing battle against these destructive parasites. Dr. Plettner’s work focus ..read more

(#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 using beekeeping as a tool for sustainable income. Bo shares his journey from his first mission trip to Barbados to his current endeavors, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of international beekeeping education and development ..read more

(#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 perspective on beekeeping without Varroa mites, and the recent challenges since their introduction in New South Wales. Through engaging discussions, listeners gain insights into Australia's diverse beekeeping practices, the impact of Varroa on the indust ..read more

(#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 to equip new beekeepers with strategies to protect their colonies. From the pervasive threat of Varroa mites to the nuances of local beekeeping challenges, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of bee health management. Practical advice on moni ..read more

(#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 master beekeeper, Paul Longwell, provide invaluable advice on navigating the overwhelming array of beekeeping tools and accessories. We discuss the importance of understanding bee space, the pros and cons of building your own equipment versus purchas ..read more

(#267) 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 highlight the commitment required to master the craft. The discussion opens about the time and dedication beekeeping demands, debunking the glossy, effortless image often portrayed. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips on making beekeepi ..read more

(#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 the Honeybee Obscura, delve into the evolving world of beekeeping, addressing the challenges faced by new beekeepers, with practical advice honed by years of experience. This episode, part one of the updated series, emphasizes the importance of u ..read more

(#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 kid in Northern British Columbia to leading groundbreaking research in bee genetics and evolutionary biology. Learn about the innovative projects underway at the Harpur Lab, including a deep dive into drone nutrition and the quest for understanding the ..read more