Beekeeping Buddies

Luke Harvey
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Hobbies
  • Every two weeks

"Beekeeping Buddies" is your go-to podcast for all things buzzing in the world of beekeeping! Join Steve and Luke, two seasoned hobbyist beekeepers with over a decade of experience each, as they take you on a journey through the captivating realm of beekeeping. Tune in as they share firsthand accounts of the latest buzz in their personal bee yards parked in picturesque Peoria, IL. From Midwest seasonal hive updates to intriguing anecdotes, Steve and Luke provide invaluable insights garnered from years of tending to their buzzing colonies. Stay informed with their segment on the latest buzzworthy news in the beekeeping community. Whether it's breakthroughs in bee research or tips on sustainable beekeeping practices, they've got you covered with the latest buzz. Have burning questions about beekeeping? Fear not! Dial into their "Honeybee Hotline" segment, where Steve and Luke lend their expertise to answer listener-submitted queries. Whether you're a novice beekeeper or a seasoned pro, their wealth of knowledge and friendly banter make for an enlightening and entertaining listen. So grab your beekeeping gear and buddy up with Steve and Luke as they explore the sweet world of beekeeping on "Beekeeping Buddies"!

  1. 6 days ago

    Episode 48 - Growing into Sideliner Beekeeping, Increasing your Network, and Venom Cancer Research

    When does a hobby become a business? In this episode, Steve and Luke discuss the transition from hobbyist beekeeper to sideliner, including the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts that come with managing more colonies and serving customers. They share practical thoughts on growth, avoiding common mistakes, and determining whether expansion is right for your operation. The conversation also explores the importance of building a strong beekeeping network. From local clubs and mentors to industry contacts and research partners, the relationships you develop can open doors, solve problems, and create opportunities that would be difficult to achieve alone. Finally, the hosts review emerging research investigating compounds found in honey bee venom and their potential role in cancer treatment. While much of the work remains in the research stage, the discussion highlights some of the promising findings and what they may mean for the future of medicine. Whether you're managing your first hive or considering your next fifty, this episode offers insights on growth, community, and the surprising ways honey bees continue to impact our world. Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    1hr 19min

  2. 14 May

    Episode 47 - Busy as a Bee! Cutouts, City Ordinances, Inordinate Amount of Swarms

    Episode 47 of Beekeeping Buddies has us still busier than we have been in years! Early spring translated to early swarms, early honey crops, and earlier cutouts, and earlier stings! Come listen to what we are doing this time of year.  Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    1hr 6min

  3. 1 May

    Episode 46 - We are Having a Crazy Spring; Chasing Swarms; Preparing for the Honey Flow

    Episode 46 of Beekeeping Buddies has us busier than we have been in years! Early spring means early swarms, early honey crops, and earlier cutouts! Come listen to what we are doing this time of year. New thumbs up thumbs down section of beekeeping buddies as well! Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    1hr 7min

  4. 15 Apr

    Episode 45 - Come Hang Out with Our Beekeeping Buddies 628 Dirt Rooster Randy McCaffery and His Brother Tommy McCaffery

    Episode 45 of Beekeeping Buddies has us visited by some of our own Beekeeping Buddies! Randy McCaffrey (628 Dirt Rooster) and Tommy McCaffrey come by and explain how Hobby Beekeeping is a Way Of Life... and how that changes in Illinois vs Mississippi.   628 Dirt Rooster Website: https://628dirtrooster.com/collections/all 628 Dirt Rooster Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/628DirtRooster 628 Dirt Rooster YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@628DirtRooster Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    1hr 14min
  5. Episode 44 - Beekeeping in Arizona with Honey Hives Farm, Package Queen Swapping, Hive Body Types and more!

    1 Apr

    Episode 44 - Beekeeping in Arizona with Honey Hives Farm, Package Queen Swapping, Hive Body Types and more!

    Episode 44 of Beekeeping Buddies takes us out west as we talk about beekeeping in Arizona and how conditions there compare to what many of us see in the Midwest. We also dig into swapping queens in package bees, including why a beekeeper might choose to do it. In this episode's Honeybee Hotline, we answer listener questions and work through practical beekeeping issues from the field. Lastly on our droning on, we talk about what we will be doing as we reach warmer temperatures and longer days!   Honey Hives Farm: https://honeyhivefarms.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    1hr 10min

  6. 25 Feb

    Episode 43 - Is Spring Here? Accident in the Yard! Luke Goes to the Midwest Honeybee Expo!

    We're enjoying a stretch of beautiful weather here in the Peoria area, and that can only mean one thing for beekeepers: false spring temptation. This week, Steve and Luke talk through what you should (and shouldn't) be doing during these warm February days. When is it smart to crack a lid? When should you leave well enough alone? And how do you avoid setting your colonies back before maples even think about blooming? Luke also shares a hard lesson from the yard an accident that resulted in a grass fire. What happened, what caused it, and what you can do to avoid the same mistake around your apiary. Finally, Luke breaks down some of the standout speakers and takeaways from the Midwest Honeybee Expo in Wisconsin. From practical management tips to bigger industry conversations, there was plenty worth bringing back home to Illinois. If you're staring at your hives in 50-degree weather wondering whether to "just take a quick peek," this episode is for you.   Midwest Honeybee Expo: https://www.midwesthoneybeeexpo.com/ North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    1hr 16min

  7. 14 Jan

    Episode 42 - 2025 Statistics, Season Wrap Up, Plans for the New Year!

    Welcome to episode 42 where we talk about our statistics for the last year and our plans in the new one. We talk about our aparies, what we will be doing, and how we plan to tackle some of these new challenges.  Thank you for season 2 and we look forward to seeing you season 3!   Randy Oliver 2025 Research Roundup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DT2HTyF2-k North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    59 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Episode 41 - Winter has arrived and so has our holiday Christmas list for your beekeeping needs!

    Welcome to episode 41 where we talk a bit about the weather, but because we don't have a lot going on in the yard, we are going to run down our gift buying guide for 2026! We hope everyone has an excellent holiday season.   Randy Oliver 2025 Research Roundup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DT2HTyF2-k North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

    55 min
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About

"Beekeeping Buddies" is your go-to podcast for all things buzzing in the world of beekeeping! Join Steve and Luke, two seasoned hobbyist beekeepers with over a decade of experience each, as they take you on a journey through the captivating realm of beekeeping. Tune in as they share firsthand accounts of the latest buzz in their personal bee yards parked in picturesque Peoria, IL. From Midwest seasonal hive updates to intriguing anecdotes, Steve and Luke provide invaluable insights garnered from years of tending to their buzzing colonies. Stay informed with their segment on the latest buzzworthy news in the beekeeping community. Whether it's breakthroughs in bee research or tips on sustainable beekeeping practices, they've got you covered with the latest buzz. Have burning questions about beekeeping? Fear not! Dial into their "Honeybee Hotline" segment, where Steve and Luke lend their expertise to answer listener-submitted queries. Whether you're a novice beekeeper or a seasoned pro, their wealth of knowledge and friendly banter make for an enlightening and entertaining listen. So grab your beekeeping gear and buddy up with Steve and Luke as they explore the sweet world of beekeeping on "Beekeeping Buddies"!

Information

  • Creator
    Luke Harvey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Beekeeping Buddies

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