Beekeeping Today Podcast

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The weekly podcast bringing beekeepers the latest news, research, and insights on honey bees. Hosted by Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman, each episode features conversations with beekeepers, scientists, authors, and industry leaders. Whether you're just starting your first hive or managing hundreds, you'll find practical tips, fresh perspectives, and engaging stories to inspire your beekeeping journey.

  1. 10 hr ago

    "Bitter Honey" Author Jennie Durant

    Jennie Durant, PhD, joins Beekeeping Today to discuss her new book, Bitter Honey: Big Ag's Threat to the Bees and the Fight to Save Them. Drawing from more than fifteen years of research, interviews, and fieldwork, Jennie explores the complex relationship between commercial beekeeping and modern agriculture. She shares how her interest in honey bees began during her graduate studies in the Philippines and eventually led to a PhD focused on the challenges facing managed pollinators in large-scale agricultural systems. Jennie discusses the evolution of commercial beekeeping in response to the growing demand for almond pollination and how intensified management practices—including supplemental feeding, migratory pollination, and aggressive mite control—have become necessary to maintain colony health and profitability. She explains how habitat loss, monoculture agriculture, pesticide exposure, climate change, and economic pressures have created a difficult environment for both beekeepers and bees. The conversation also explores the often-contentious discussions surrounding honey bees and native pollinators. Jennie emphasizes that habitat loss is the underlying issue affecting all pollinators and advocates for expanding forage resources rather than framing the discussion as a competition between species. Becky and Jeff discuss the importance of habitat restoration, pollinator-friendly land management, and the role beekeepers can play in supporting broader conservation efforts. Jennie highlights organizations such as the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund and discusses practical actions individuals can take to improve forage availability for pollinators. She also shares stories gathered while researching the book, including the challenges commercial beekeepers have faced in obtaining effective mite treatments over the years. Throughout the discussion, Jennie provides a thoughtful and balanced perspective on the realities facing modern beekeeping while offering hope through examples of innovative habitat projects, conservation programs, and collaborative efforts aimed at improving conditions for managed and native bees alike. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Bitter Honey: Big Ag's Threat to the Bees and the Fight to Save Them on Amazon Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong 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 HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. 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. _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    44 min
  2. Winning at Honey with Stephanie: Entering Honey Shows

    5 days ago ·  Bonus

    Winning at Honey with Stephanie: Entering Honey Shows

    In this edition of Winning Honey with Stephanie, Stephanie Slater checks in on her own honey show preparations and admits that her comb honey supers still aren't ready despite last month's plans. A strong nectar flow in southeastern Wisconsin has kept her busy in the bee yard, including hosting a retail partner for an apiary visit that showcased queen cells, egg-laying activity, pollen collection, and royal jelly production. Stephanie looks ahead to the major honey competitions coming in January, including the North American Honey and Beeswax Championship, the American Honey Show, and the Midwest Honey Bee Expo Honey Show. She also discusses the recent transition of the American Honey Show Training Council to the newly named American Honey Judges Association (AHJA), including new membership opportunities, governance changes, and the launch of a new website. The episode also highlights an engaging activity from the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association Summer Meeting: the Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest. Stephanie explains how the contest works, why it encourages participation from both competitive and non-competitive beekeepers, and how it showcases the remarkable diversity of honey flavors produced within a single state. The main educational focus of this month's segment is a reminder that one of the most important skills for honey show success is carefully reading the rules. Stephanie shares lessons learned from her own exhibiting experiences, explains the details exhibitors should review before preparing entries, and offers practical advice to avoid common mistakes that can result in lost points or disqualification. The episode concludes with a spotlight on the North Carolina Bee Jubilee Honey Show and encouragement for exhibitors to continue learning, competing, and sharing their experiences within the honey judging community. Websites mentioned: American Honey Judges Association – https://honeyshowusa.com North Carolina Bee Jubilee & Honey Show - https://www.eventeny.com/events/bee-jubilee-2026-25337/ ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   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 _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    16 min

  3. 1 Jun

    Regional Beekeepers Spring 2026: Honey Flows, Varroa, and What's Working

    In this spring 2026 edition of Regional Beekeepers, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome a familiar panel of beekeepers from across North America to compare notes on how the season is unfolding in their respective regions. Joining the discussion are Ang Roell (Northeast), Bonnie Morse (Northern California), Duane Combs (Arizona), Jay Williams (Tennessee), and Paul Longwell (Pacific Northwest). The conversation highlights the remarkable regional differences in weather, nectar flows, colony buildup, and honey production. Duane reports one of Arizona's best honey seasons in decades following unusually wet conditions, while Bonnie describes strong honey production in California alongside increasing concerns about Varroa mites and small hive beetles. Ang shares updates on queen breeding and a new research project examining the heritability of Varroa-sensitive hygiene traits. Jay discusses challenges caused by a difficult winter, late queen production, and his early experiences with the new mite-control product Norroa. Varroa management remains a central topic, with panelists comparing treatment strategies, discussing oxalic acid applications, Formic Pro, VarroxSan, and emerging approaches to mite control. The conversation naturally expands into small hive beetles, producing both practical advice and several memorable stories from the field. The group also shares lessons learned from mistakes, unexpected setbacks, and successful innovations. Topics range from hurricane recovery and extreme desert heat to transporting bees, honey marketing, 3D-printed beekeeping tools, agritourism experiences, honey tastings, and bee-centered wellness programs. As always, the Regional Beekeepers episode provides a valuable snapshot of beekeeping conditions across the continent while highlighting the creativity, resilience, and good humor of working beekeepers. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong 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 HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. 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. _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    53 min

  4. 25 May

    AEEA and the Power of Extension Education

    Beekeeping Today welcomes back two familiar voices in honey bee education: Dr. Robyn Underwood and Ana Heck. Together, they discuss the growing role of the Apiculture Extension Educators of America (AEEA) and how extension professionals are helping connect beekeepers with trusted, science-based information across the United States. Jeff and Becky begin the episode with a seasonal conversation about swarming management and aggressive spring splitting strategies before turning to this week's Hive IQ listener question on introducing mated queens successfully into colonies. Ana and Robyn share practical field-tested approaches for improving queen acceptance, including push-in cages, timing considerations, queen cage positioning, and the importance of confirming colonies are truly queenless before introducing a new queen. The discussion then shifts to extension education itself — what extension educators do, why they matter, and how they serve as a bridge between university research and practical beekeeping application. Ana and Robyn explain how AEEA grew from informal monthly "happy hour" discussions into a collaborative national network of extension educators, researchers, inspectors, and outreach professionals sharing resources, programs, and educational materials. Listeners will also learn about the new AEEA website, future plans for regionally organized educational resources, and why many states still lack dedicated apiculture extension positions. Becky highlights the value these programs provide to local beekeepers, while Jeff encourages listeners to support and advocate for extension resources within their own states. This episode offers valuable insight into the people working behind the scenes to improve beekeeper education, strengthen honey bee health outreach, and make trusted information more accessible nationwide. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Apiculture Extension Educators of America (AEEA):  https://www.bee-educated.org Penn State Extension Beekeeping Resources: https://extension.psu.edu/beekeeping-resources Michigan State University Pollinator Initiative: https://pollinators.msu.edu BeeSwarm.org on Beekeeping Today: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/381-bee-swarmed-with-mateo/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong 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 HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. 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. _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    40 min

  5. 18 May

    Queen Series: Ang Roell on Queen Breeding and Hygienic Genetics

    Ang Roell of They Keep Bees joins Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman for another installment of the Beekeeping Today Podcast Queen Series. Ang shares the story behind building a migratory queen breeding operation and explains how years of working with Carniolan, Russian, and hygienic stock shaped the breeding philosophy behind their Massachusetts-based apiary. The conversation explores the realities of raising queens professionally, including drone saturation, mating yards, queen cells, virgins, instrumental insemination, and the challenges of selecting for Varroa-sensitive hygienic behavior while maintaining strong overwintering performance in northern climates. Ang discusses how They Keep Bees evaluates breeder queens using hygienic testing, mite washes, and Harbo assays, while also participating in collaborative research projects examining the heritability of hygienic traits. Jeff and Becky also discuss the growing interest in queen cells and virgin queens among smaller-scale beekeepers and why understanding these systems can improve overall beekeeping management. Ang explains practical approaches to walkaway splits, late-season nucleus production, and why there is no "silver bullet" queen when it comes to Varroa management. Throughout the episode, Ang emphasizes the importance of curiosity, experimentation, collaboration between scientists and working beekeepers, and building locally adapted stock that thrives within regional nectar flows and winter conditions. It is an insightful conversation for beekeepers interested in genetics, queen production, sustainable stock selection, and the future of honey bee breeding. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: They Keep Bees: https://theykeepbees.com SARE (Sustianable Agricultural Research and Education):  https://www.sare.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong 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 HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. 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. _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    51 min
  6. Bonus Short - 2026 Heartland Apicultural Society Conference

    14 May ·  Bonus

    Bonus Short - 2026 Heartland Apicultural Society Conference

    The Heartland Apicultural Society returns to Michigan State University May 30–31, 2026, bringing together beekeepers from across the region for two days of education, networking, and hands-on learning. In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck of Michigan State University and Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State University to preview the upcoming conference and explain why this event offers something valuable for everyone from beginning beekeepers to experienced sideliners. This year's conference emphasizes practical learning. Ana explains that Michigan State University is setting up apiaries near the conference center so participants can attend in-hive workshops covering colony inspections, splits, varroa management, queen finding, and other management topics. Unlike many spring conferences held during colder months, the late-May timing allows attendees to work directly with live colonies. The conference will also include laboratory workshops focused on honey bee anatomy, dissections, and microscopic diagnosis of bacterial brood diseases including American foulbrood and European foulbrood. Participants will have opportunities to work with microscopes and diagnostic techniques under the guidance of university researchers and instructors. Featured keynote speakers include Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda, Dr. Jeff Harris, Dr. Reed Johnson, and Dr. Robyn Underwood. Robin discusses her presentations on drones and drone congregation areas, spotted lanternfly honeydew honey, and efficient apiary inspections. Ana also outlines conference registration details, early registration pricing, and the limited-capacity laboratory sessions available for attendees who register early. Whether you are a first-year beekeeper or a seasoned beekeeper looking to deepen your knowledge, the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference offers a strong mix of science, practical management, and community. Registration and conference information can be found at: Heartland Apicultural Society 2026 Registration ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   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 _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    5 min
  7. Bee Science: Spring Colony Growth - Managing Expansion, Nutrition, and Swarming

    13 May ·  Bonus

    Bee Science: Spring Colony Growth - Managing Expansion, Nutrition, and Swarming

    Spring is a season of rapid change inside the hive, and in this Bee Science segment, Dr. Dewey Caron walks through what drives colony expansion—and how beekeepers can respond effectively.   Dewey emphasizes that spring growth is fundamentally tied to pollen availability and favorable flying weather. Colonies in warmer climates may expand gradually, while northern colonies often experience a compressed and intense buildup. This variability makes local awareness and timing essential. Nutrition plays a central role. Research going back to Heather Mattila's 2006 work shows that colonies receiving pollen or protein supplements begin brood rearing earlier and build stronger populations. More recent work reinforces that locally sourced pollen may improve effectiveness, and emerging commercial feeds are showing measurable gains in overwinter survival and pollination strength. As colonies grow, so does the risk of swarming. Dewey underscores the importance of proactive management—providing adequate space, maintaining ventilation, and monitoring brood nest congestion. Once swarm preparation begins, options narrow quickly, making early intervention key. The episode also introduces the "Goldilocks effect" in evaluating colony strength. Colonies that are too weak struggle to build, while overly strong colonies risk swarming. The goal is finding that "just right" balance through regular inspection, brood assessment, and strategic frame movement. Health risks remain present during this expansion phase. Diseases like European foulbrood and chalkbrood, along with pesticide exposure and nutritional stress, can limit colony development. At the same time, brood expansion creates ideal conditions for varroa reproduction, reinforcing the need for integrated management. Dewey's central message is clear: spring requires active, informed management—but not overmanagement. Listen to the bees, respond to conditions, and aim for balance between growth and control. Links and references mentioned in this episode: Caron, Dewey M. Bee MD Bee MD [https://idtools.org/thebeemd/index.cfm?pageID=3094] Mattila, Hearther R. and Gard W Otis. 2006. Influence of pollen diet in spring on development of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. J. Econ Entomol. 99(3):604-13. doi: 10.1603/0022-0493-99.3.604 Kulhanek, Kelly, et. al.  2026. Enhanced Honey Bee Colony Strength and Economic Returns from Fall and Winter Feeding with a Complete Pollen-Replacing Feed. Insects 2026, 17(3), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030243 Basu, Priya. 2024 Honey bee Nutrition HBHC https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nutritionguide/ Tew, James. 2025. Giving it Your Best Guess. March. Bee Culture DeGrandi-Hoffman G, Gage SL, Corby-Harris V, Carroll M, Chambers M, Graham H, Watkins DeJong E, Hidalgo G, Calle S, Azzouz-Olden F, Meador C, Snyder L, and  Ziolkowski N. 2018. Connecting the nutrient composition of seasonal pollens with changing nutritional needs of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies. J Insect Physiol.109:114-124. doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2018.07.002. Epub 2018 Jul 7.PMID: 29990468 Hoover SE, Ovinge LP, and Kearns JD.  2022. Consumption of Supplemental Spring Protein Feeds by Western Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies: Effects on Colony Growth and Pollination Potential. J. Econ Entomol.115(2):417-429. doi: 10.1093/jee/toac006.PMID: 35181788Free PMC article. ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   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 _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    20 min

  8. 11 May

    Queen Series: Randy & Eric Oliver on Selective Breeding and Varroa-Resistant Bees

    In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman continue their queen-focused spring series with longtime beekeeper, researcher, and educator Randy Oliver and commercial beekeeper Eric Oliver. The conversation explores the realities of large-scale selective breeding for Varroa-resistant honey bees and the development of the Golden West queen line. Randy explains how his operation shifted toward breeding for mite resistance after discovering a colony in 2015 that consistently maintained zero Varroa counts without treatment. That colony became "Queen Zero," launching a years-long selective breeding effort focused on resistance, gentleness, and honey production. Eric discusses how the operation evolved from occasional mite sampling into full-operation mite washing programs involving thousands of colonies, streamlined systems, and detailed tracking methods. The discussion covers the importance of drone saturation, isolated mating yards, and why successful breeding programs require cooperation among large groups of beekeepers. Randy and Eric explain their partnership with Olivarez Honey Bees to scale Golden West queen production while preserving genetic consistency through controlled mating environments. Jeff and Becky also discuss how healthier bees change the overall beekeeping experience, from colony management and overwintering to reduced chemical inputs and calmer hive behavior. Randy shares his views on breeding for gentleness, avoiding "Frankenbee" genetics, and why maintaining a stable breeding population is essential for long-term progress against Varroa mites. The episode also includes a listener question from Anne Bettencourt about how long beginning beekeepers should keep colonies open during inspections, leading to a thoughtful discussion on balancing learning opportunities with colony health and productivity. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Scientific Beekeeping: https://scientificbeekeeping.com Olivarez Honey Bees: https://www.ohbees.com/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong 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 HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. 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. _______________ 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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The weekly podcast bringing beekeepers the latest news, research, and insights on honey bees. Hosted by Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman, each episode features conversations with beekeepers, scientists, authors, and industry leaders. Whether you're just starting your first hive or managing hundreds, you'll find practical tips, fresh perspectives, and engaging stories to inspire your beekeeping journey.

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