Tips for keeping bees cool, Solstice Queens, Split Comparisons & Patron bonus bookmark (117) Part 1: Ways to cool off hives, benefits of post-solstice queens . Part 2: continues for patrons with bonus content on comparing the Runaway and the Cut-Down/Reverse Doolittle splits, more about post-solstice queens, detailed show notes with links to some h…

In this episode, hosts Jeff and Becky chat with Brooke Decker and Natasha Garcia-Anderson from the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA). Brooke and Natasha share their extensive knowledge and experiences as regulatory officials dedicated to supporting beekeepers and maintaining bee health across North America. Brooke, the Pollinator Health Specialist…

Honey Bears, Wearing Gloves, Listener Mail, Manual Uncapper Device, Glace’ Process, Wax Moth Deterrent, Local Hive Report, Closing CommentsBy Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: It still doesn’t feel like we’ve really got started with our beekeeping season yet in the next couple of weeks Borage will start flowering and the Summer nectar flow will be in full flow. Time for more preparations and I also turn my attention towards Cut Comb Honey production. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 3…

In this episode, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman sit down with John Hill, the innovative force behind HillCo Bees, a quickly emerging player in the beekeeping equipment industry. John shares his inspiring journey from a young enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur, offering listeners a unique insight into the rapid growth and development of his…

In this week's Podcast: Introducing new queens into queenless colonies can sometimes be a tricky job especially for the inexperienced beekeeper. We’ve tried several different methods and now focus on making colonies hopelessly queenless before releasing the new queen, listen in to hear more of this almost foolproof method! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks an…

In this insightful episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Master Beekeeper David Burns. David, a well-known figure in the beekeeping community, shares his extensive knowledge and experiences, offering invaluable advice for beekeepers of all levels. From his early, adventurous beginnings to becoming an EA…

Part two of a series of reflections for working in the apiary and setting up for queen rearingBy Kevin Inglin

Part one of a series of reflections for working in the apiary and setting up for queen rearingBy Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, it’s raining again. The bees don’t like it, I certainly don’t like it and I’m desperate to settle in to a regular inspection routine. We’re splitting colonies in preparation for new queen introductions and thinking about the Summer nectar flow that’s heading our way. Hi, I’m Stewa…

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…

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 …

Interview with Monica Schmitt and Tristan Bannon at the Ribbon Cutting event for the Mission Beelieve Therapeutic Bee House.By Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: It’s raining again, the Spring crop is ready for the taking and I’m turning my attention to preparing colonies for splitting in readiness for the Summer borage trip. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 303 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modern…

(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 HiveTr…

In this week's Podcast: At this time of the year there's just no let up. It's a huge growth period for our colonies, we're still trying to calm the urge for colonies to swarm and I've been carrying out more shook swarms to remove old, dirty combs and with luck any hidden varroa population. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 302 of my pod…

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 fa…

In this week's Podcast: Another crazy week of beekeeping, More swarms, Stings through my bee suit veil and some thoughts on why I have finally settled on the Langstroth hive as my preferred box for our bees. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 301 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by click…

A bee-radio-reader episode with Tina Sebestyen's how to overview of a Reverse Doolittle Split which, spoiler alert, is the same as a Cut-Down Split! But Tina explains it so much better than I have! This episode released last week with detailed show notes for the Patreon supporters. Thank you patrons for keeping this podcast rolling! ---- Please bec…

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 complexit…

In this week's Podcast: Who would have thought it, Episode 300 and what a week we've had. Intense Spring Sunshine, temperatures up to 20 Degrees Celsius and once again, really heavy rainfall. The perfect combination for swarming and boy have we suffered! Listen in to hear just what's been happening. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 300…

Report card on Treatment Free - Life Events - Cancer and Job LossBy Kevin Inglin

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 wel…

The Yellow-Legged Hornet has landed in the US southeast. The hornet is originally from Asia, but is has spread widely into Europe. This week we hear from Maggie Gill, a senior scientist with the National Bee Unit in the UK tells about the innovative methods developed in the UK to track and erradicate these hornets.…

In this week's Podcast: Well, it looks like the weather might finally be turning a little warmer, it's not too different from last year with a late start but now it's here let's crack on, It's a good time to perform a Bailey Comb Change. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 299 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of St…

(#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 pac…

In this week's Podcast: I'm just back from the BBKA Spring Convention 2024 and have to say I had a really great time. If you've not been in recent years, make it a date next year and let's have a party! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 298 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking t…

(#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 t…

Detailed show note (usually a Patreon exclusive but wanted everyone to get the links below): There is hardly a split that is as easy and that yields the reliable results as the Runaway split we all have learned from Ang Roell and Sam Comfort. Remember it when you just need to get it done! This is their description of the process from their SARE gra…

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 be…

In this week's Podcast: Beginner beekeeper Nick Bunker joins me for a chat about his beekeeping journey and hopefully get some answers to some of the many questions he has. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 297 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below. Healthy Bees, H…

(#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…

This episode we catch up with Katie Buckley the Pollinator Health Coordinator for Washington State Department of Agriculture. She tells us about two new pollinator bills that passed in the Washington Legislature, as well as the growing Washington Bee Atlas.By Andony Melathopoulos

Avoiding Wonky Comb, Phenology, Sad News, Borrowed Day, Mead Racking, Non Split Split, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: We've spotted drones in a few colonies, food stores are being replenished in most and it looks like the weather is warming up a little, time to start beekeeping! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 296 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below. He…

(#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…

Talking bees while heading to the races - chatting with my brother Keith and his wife Karina, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: With Spring progressing there's a temptation to stack supers on your hives for an early Spring crop but that might not necessarily be the best option. Listen in to hear why. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 295 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the li…

(#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…

More bees in the US, Plastic Foundation, Queen Replacements new hives, The Hive Jive Podcast, Bees in the Eclipse, Heat IT, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: Want to sell lip balms, hand creams and other cosmetic products but don't have the time or finances to go through the lengthy process of licencing and insurance? Listen in for a simple solution to boost your sales whether online, at farmer's markets or fairs. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 294 of my podcast, B…

(#271) In this enlightening episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Thomas Seeley, a celebrated biologist and author, to discuss his latest book, "Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz Runners: 20 Mysteries of Honey Bees Solved." Dr. Seeley shares his deep fascination with the individual behaviors of work…

This week we hear about a remarkable initiative in Tillamook, Oregon. Known for its world famous dairy, its home to an industrious beekeeping club that is providing top-notch education to the region (and the thousands of people who come through it each summer).By Andony Melathopoulos

One on one discussion with Maryland Beekeeper Russ Sprangle. Aslo a local hive report reflecting on treatment free beekeeping.By Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: Asian Hornet is a real and present danger here in the UK, today I'm joined once again by Jackie Thomas to discuss the current position and what, if anything I should do as we head into Spring. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 293 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book…

(#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 usin…

A sound recording made of an impromptu walkthrough of the Better Bee operation in Greenwich New YorkBy Kevin Inglin

In this week's Podcast: I'm Back, Still struggling with the healthissues but glad to be talking beekeeping once more, and it's March already! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 292 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below. Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and…

(#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 pers…

(recorded the first few days of March 2024) There was a tech glitch (what happens if you don't do updates regular on the old computer OS...ha) and I couldn't edit this one like usual so it's both late and rough cut, with an even rougher addendum pasted in! But wanted to put it up for everyone. Next episode starts my usual obsession with splits! Lin…