There are two organizations shaping the American beekeeping industry: the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) and the American Honey Producers Association (AHPA). On today’s episode, we talk with Dan Winter, President of the American Beekeeping Federation. The ABF takes comprehensive approach to serving its members by, addressing educational programs, research, and legislation impacting beekeepers at the state as well as national level. For those interested in science-backed beekeeping practices, conservation efforts, and the intricacies of policy, ABF is an essential resource. ABF actively works with the other organizations on issues that impact all beekeepers, regardless of their organizational ties. However, that is not all they do! The ABF has many different programs besides the advocacy work. Perhaps one of most widely known is the American Honey Queen and Princess program, providing important marketing and public relations experience for young college-aged spokes persons. They also have scholarships, education and of course, their large Annual Conference. This year heald in New Orleans.  Whether you're a novice beekeeper looking for educational resources or a veteran seeking to influence industry policy, ABF provides the tools, knowledge, and network to help you succeed. Listen today to learn just what the American Beekeeping Federation is doing for you! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Thank you for listening! Links and websites mentioned in this podcast: The American Beekeeping Federation - https://abfnet.org/  Honey Bee Obscura - https://www.honeybeeobscura.com   ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On this week’s episode we welcome beekeeper, YouTube influencer and conference organizer Kamon Reynolds. Kamon’s YouTube channel provides viewers factual and entertaining looks at managing honey bees, product reviews and interviews. There are many different beekeeping Youtube channels, and Kamon’s is one of the best. In today’s show, he tells us how it all got started. Also today, he talks about the new North American Honey Bee Expo, set for early January in Louisville, Kentucky. The NAHBE promises to be the largest beekeeping show in the United States, featuring hands-on beekeeping speakers and presentations, a super large trade show with products available to buy at a discount, a honey show and the awarding of the 2024 Next Gen Beekeeper to 30 young and upcoming beekeepers. Beekeeping is a lifelong learning adventure. Fall and winter offer a perfect chance to invest in your skills and expertise. Whether you choose to attend a regional conference, attend a national event, or simply immerse yourself in a good beekeeping book, keeping your education alive during the off-season will pay dividends in the health and success of your colonies. Listen today! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Thank you for listening! Links and websites mentioned in this podcast: North American Honey Bee Expo - https://www.nahbexpo.com/Kamon's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@kamonreynolds Honey Bee Obscura - https://www.honeybeeobscura.com   ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Welcome to another episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast! This week, we're excited to host Joy and Eric McEwen, the authors behind the recently released book, “Raising Resilient Bees.” The McEwens offer a natural and sustainable model that focuses on hive health and prioritizes the well-being of the bee over the beekeeper. We chat about their book as well as their approach to beekeeping which places emphasis on a system of management that works with the honey bee as opposed to against it, including a natural nest hive design. But this isn't all just for the backyard beekeeper. They're using in their pallatized operation for commercial management.  Of course, they are also rearing their own queens, selecting for resilient, mite-resistant genetic lines, without relying on the risks of swarming or expense of grafting. Before we meet the McEwen's, Jeff discusses the importance of hive and especially top insulation for hives going into the winter. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Thank you for listening! Links and websites mentioned in this podcast: The McEwen's Website: http://www.digginlivin.comRaising Resilient Bees on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Resilient-Bees-Heritage-Techniques/dp/1645021947 Honey Bee Obscura - https://www.honeybeeobscura.com     ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

While Jeff and Kim are taking time this week to tend their bees, we bring you this Archive Special from May of 2021. In this third installment of our five-part Hive Types Series, we talk with Colorado Master Beekeeper and columnist Tina Sebestyen about the Long or Horizontal Langstroth. Horizontal hives are very much like the traditional Langstroth hives, which are vertical stacks of boxes, except horizontal hives are only one box high and about three boxes long. The very best thing about horizontal hives is that you never have to lift a very heavy box off the top of a hive to get to what’s below that box. Essentially, no lifting for the beekeeper. Horizontal hives, using 30 frames, can have the front door on either or both ends, or in the middle. If there is just one opening, it should be on the end, so the bees build their nest a frame or two of honey right next to the entrance, behind that some of the bee bread, then the brood next, and at the end away from the front door will be the honey. Not up, but back. Tina explains there are additional advantages for the beekeeper and these are why long hives are so appealing to many beekeepers, including the accessable hive of choice for beekeepers with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. Tina has written several articles on horizontal hive keeping for Bee Culture magazine (starting with the February 2020 issue), has loads of info on her web page and is in the process of writing a book on the topic. She shares it all in this podcast. Listen today! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Thank you for listening! Links and websites mentioned in this podcast: Tina's Website - https://beequest.buzz/Follow Tina on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bee.longing/  Honey Bee Obscura - https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On today’s episode we are joined by professor, author and noted speaker Dr. Dewey Caron. Dewey is an active member of the Honey Bee Health Coalition where he helps with the creation and maintenance of the Coalition’s Hive Management program. Today he joins us to talk about the just updated, Varroa Management Guide. Varroa management is a very serious problem for beekeepers around the world. Sadly, varroa was just found in Australia this year with devastating consequences as hundreds, if not thousands of colonies, have been destroyed in an attempt to eradicate the mite before it establishes a foothold on the last, varroa-free continent. The HBHC has published several useful tools for beekeepers to help them manage varroa to a level where the negative effects of varroa, such as the varroa associated viruses and diseases can be limited. This is includes varroa management videos, the Varroa Management Decision Tool, Commercial Beekeeper Case Studies, the Varroa Resistance and Testing Team and today’s topic the Varroa Management Guide. The Management Guide explains the tested, practical, and effective methods to manage the mites in your colonies. Dewey talks with us about the updates, varroa and also talks about the latest edition of his book, “Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping.” We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Thank you for listening! Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Honey Bee Health Coalition Varroa Management Webpage - https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Bee Conspiracy by David Boito - https://www.amazon.com/Bee-Conspiracy-David-Boito/dp/B0C88H19H1/Honey Bee Obscura - https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Thanks to Jennifer Keller, opening this episode! Jennifer stopped at the Betterbee booth during EAS and left us that greeting! You too can record an opening for an upcoming episode! Simply record one on your phone and send it to us at the podcast! Simple as that!! We do have an important show coming up for you today. We talk with Becky Masterman of the Minnesota Honey Producers Association and commercial beekeeper, and good friend of the podcast, John Miller, to talk about the Bee and Butterfly Fund and the upcoming renewal of the USDA Farm Bill legislation that will definitely impact beekeepers. And just a heads up, John was on his mobile, sitting in Golden State Park, so some of his conversation is not as clear as we strive for. We apologize for this in advance! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Bee and Butterfly Fund: https://www.beeandbutterfly.org USDA Farm Bill: https://www.usda.gov/farmbill Kim’s interview on Who Am I Podcast: https://whoimettoday.com/podcasts/podcast-kim-flottum-honey-bees/ Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Etienne Tardif and Ron Miksha join us today to talk about the Western Apicultural Society 2023 Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Listen in as they talk about all that’s going to be happening and everything you wanted to know about this year’s WAS meeting, highlighting the topic Northern Lights Beekeeping This year, the conference is at the Gray Eagle Resort and Casino in Calgary, Canada. There will be a swarm of speakers on any topic you can think of, multiple workshops, a trade show area, outside demonstrations, a honey contest, and a lot of tours showing off the beauty of this Province. Check out the WAS web page for registration, sponsorships, and all the rest, and plan on being in Calgary, September 29, 30, and Oct 1. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  WAS Website: https://www.westernapiculturalsociety.org/WAS Conference Website:  https://www.westernapiculturalsociety.org/2023conferenceBeekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On today’s podcast, we talk with third generation Australian commercial beekeeper, Victor Croker. When we caught up with Victor, he was in the States promoting his new EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) hive system developed with his experience of over the past 40 years of moving beehives around Eastern Australia. His beekeeping business centers on producing over 330,000 pounds of honey and pollinating almonds and other crops each season. Victor and his beekeeping partner started to experiment with EPS hives for their insulation qualities, but quickly found that what was available, was not suitable for commercial beekeepers. So, they set out to design and manufacture hives that they could use in their own operation and survive the subjected rigors and abuse hives receive daily in the field. Their design quickly became so popular, they decided to mass produce the hive and make it available to other beekeepers – first in Australia and now the USA. Thus, was born the HiveIQ. Join us today as we discuss the HiveIQ, it’s design, features, future directions and even the HiveIQ software, made with colony and yard management in mind. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  HiveIQ: https://www.hiveiq.com/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode we talk with Amber Leach, North American Sales Manager, and Dr. Miguel Angel Rodriguez, DVM, and Business Development Head, from Véto-Pharma. Véto-Pharma is just rolling out and the distribution of their newest varroa control compound called Amiflex. Primarily for commercial beekeepers, this amitraz-based product comes in premeasured does of a gel beekeepers can place in their hives between honey flows, or after the honey season is over. It is considered a flash treatment because the compound is only allowed in a hive for 7 days. If needed, 7 days after removal, it can be applied again. As of this date, Amiflex remains a restricted use pesticide, so beekeepers will need to be registered with their state officials even before purchasing the product. Check the Véto-Pharma website to see if Amiflex has been registered for use in your state. Before Amber and Miguel, Beekeeping Today Podcast's friend Ed Colby joins us with another Tale from the Bee Yard. This story is titled, “Deadman Walking”. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Véto-Pharma Amiflex website - https://www.veto-pharma.com/products/amiflex/ USDA-ARS NP-305 Comment Website:  https://np305.arsnet.usda.gov/ Minnesota Honey Producers News Website: https://minnesotahoneyproducers.com/call-for-input-to-the-usda-ars-pollinator-plan-for-2023-and-beyond/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

We are excited to bring you this packed episode. We start with Jeff talking with Becky Masterman, from the Minnesota Honey Producers Assn. about the USDA-ARS National Publication 305 (NP-305) and its importance.  Next Jeff and Kim talk with Dr. Lars Chittka about his book, The Mind of a Bee. Becky Masterman has been on the podcast before and we enjoy having her back to discuss the USDA-ARS NP-305. The NP-305 sets the research priorities for the USDA-ARS for the next five years. Right now and until August 7, the USDA-ARS is soliciting beekeeper feedback and comments on where they should focus their research funding. Unfortunately, as important as this decision is to beekeepers… relatively few beekeepers know about this comment period. Listen in as Becky helps us understand how critical this is for the next five years and what you can do to help! Next, Dr. Lars Chittka joins us to discuss his 2022 book, The Mind of a Bee.  Lars talks about how his research and that of many others of the honey bee has uncovered fascinating insights into their cognitive abilities, communication, and problem-solving skills. Join us as we explore the remarkable world of bees and gain a deeper understanding of their intricate minds, the possibility of a “bee consciousness”, the essential role they play in our ecosystem and our understanding of intelligence in the animal kingdom. This is one episode you will want to listen to several times! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Dr. Lars Chittka's website: http://chittkalab.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/Lars.htmlThe Mind of a Bee on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mind-Bee-Lars-Chittka/dp/0691180474USDA-ARS NP-305 Comment Website:  https://np305.arsnet.usda.gov/Minnesota Honey Producers News Website: https://minnesotahoneyproducers.com/news-events/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In today's episode, we have two guests, both deep in the promotion of honey and honey bees.  First up, Jeff talks with Allison Hager, the 2023 American Honey Princess, and then we talk with Keith Seiz, of the National Honey Board (NHB) and how they are promoting the use of honey and how this benefits beekeepers across the United States. First up, we learn about the American Beekeeping Federation Honey Queen program. This program selects an ambassador to represent the beekeeping industry, promoting honey and educating the public about the importance of bees. Jeff talks with Allison Hager, of Iowa and the 2023 American Honey Princess,  about the Honey Queen Program and upcoming visits. The National Honey Board was established in 1985 through an Act of Congress and managed by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service's, Research and Promotions Program, as an industry-funded organization promoting honey and honey products. They became operational in 1987. Their mission is to increase consumer awareness, research, and education about honey, as well as support the sustainability and success of beekeepers nationwide. While originally funded by honey producers, as of 2008 the funding has switched to US honey packers and importers, where the first handler or packer is assessed $0.015 per pound of honey and honey products. The NHB serves as a valuable resource for beekeepers, offering essential information on best practices, research advancements, and market trends. Check out their wonderful and informational website today! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  American Honey Queen Program: https://abfnet.org/american-honey-queen-program/National Honey Board: https://honey.com/NHB Hive Sessions Educational Series: https://honey.com/honey-industry/resources/hive-sessions-volume-1Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Andony Melathopoulos of Oregon State University. In this episode, Andony talks about the dual concerns surrounding European Foulbrood (EFB) and the ongoing debate between native bees and honey bees on public lands. EFB, a highly contagious bacterial disease, poses a significant threat to honey bee populations and the beekeeping industry. Andony works with beekeepers who deal with EFB as they pull their bees out of pollination of Oregon’s blueberry crop on an annual basis. He tells us that EFB is no longer responding to the traditional treatment practices. Oregon State University also has a Master Melittologist Program in which Andony is also actively involved.  We explore the issue of honey bees competing with native bees for resources on public lands. We discuss the arguments for and against the presence of honey bees in natural habitats, addressing concerns related to pollinator diversity, potential ecological impacts, and the need for conservation measures. Andony also hosts his own podcast, “PolliNation”. If you don’t have it in your regular podcast feed, add it. You will be glad you did! Join us as we shed light on the impact of European Foulbrood and delve into the intriguing debate between native bees and honey bees on public lands, exploring the complexities surrounding this ongoing issue. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Dr. Andony Melathopoulos: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/people/andony-melathopoulosPolliNation Podcast: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/podcast/pollination-podcastOregon State Master Melittologist Program: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/master-melittologistBeekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On today’s show, Jeff chats with Max Cherney and Nico Coallier. Max is the Chief Operating Officer and Nico the Principal Data Scientist of Nectar Technologies. Max joined us back in Season 4, along with Washington State University’s Dr. Rae Olson.  The combination of Nectar’s products: a NFC/QR tag, portable app and a management portal helps the owner manage their operation with a single comprehensive view. Max and Nico join us from their Montreal base, but they spend most of the season across North America working with commercial beekeepers perfecting their precision beekeeping solution. Listen today and learn how they’re helping beekeepers improve honey bee colony survival, help pollination and leverage pollinator health data to help all growers and the food industry. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Nectar Technologies: https://www.nectar.buzz/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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. _______________ 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In today’s episode we talk with Amelia Cadwell who grew up with a grandfather who kept bees, which lead to time spent working for a commercial beekeeper and today, keeps bees herself. She also works with Suterra, a global pest management company headquartered in Bend, Oregon. Suterra specializes in providing a pesticide-free approach protecting crops including citrus, nut, vine and vegetable using a technique called ‘mating disruption’. Amelia works primarily with Almond and citrus growers in California. Mating disruption is a management technique that disrupts the mating patterns of pests, effectively reducing their population without the need for harmful chemicals. By releasing synthetic pheromones or using other innovative methods, this approach confuses male pests, making it challenging for them to find females for reproduction. The result? There is less exposure of honey bees and other pollinators to synthetic pesticides, including neonicotinoids.  Many states are requiring a broad IPM plan to reduce the use of hard chemicals.  Mating disruption can help reduce grower use to one, or zero spray of the hard insecticides, thereby reducing environmental harm to their use. There are many people and companies working to find alternatives to hard chemical pesticide sprays. The naturally occurring compounds used in mating disruption help growers maintain a ‘certified organic’ labeling, and protect all pollinators in the process. Listen in as Amelia talks about what she does and how mating disruption protects our honey bees! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Suterra: https://www.suterra.comMating Disruption: https://www.suterra.com/mating-disruptionHoney Bee Health Coalition, Varroa Management Resources: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/Good Food Awards Honey Competition: https://goodfoodfdn.org/awards/entry-form/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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 We welcome Blue Sky Bee Supply as a sponsor of the podcast! Check out blueskybeesupply.com for the best selection of honey containers, caps, lids, and customized honey labels. Enter coupon code PODCAST and receive 10% off an order of honey containers, caps, lids, or customized honey labels. Offer ends December 31, 2023. Some exclusions apply. 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Welcome to Season 6 of Beekeeping Today Podcast! When we launched this podcast on the first day of Pollinator Week in 2018, we had no idea where the podcast would go, or how long it would continue. It is fun to see that we are still going strong and growing– thanks to you, our listeners. So, this is not a celebration of BTP as much as it is a celebration of you and your support! Thank you! If it is the start of a new BTP season, then it must also mean that it is the kickoff of Pollinator Week! On today’s episode, we welcome Kelly Bills, the Executive Director of Pollinator Partnership back to the podcast to talk to us about the planned activities for the week. Pollinator Partnership’s (P2) mission is to promote the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education and research. Listen today to find out how you too can celebrate pollinators no matter where you live across the country or around the world through virtual and in-person gatherings, webinars, planting sessions, garden and farm walks, and monument lightings. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Pollinator Partnership: https://www.pollinator.org/Pacific Northwest Bee Survey: https://pnwhoneybeesurvey.com/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcastKim's Climate Change Blog: https://www.growingplanetmedia.com/blogHoney Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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 We welcome Blue Sky Bee Supply as a sponsor of the podcast! Check out blueskybeesupply.com for the best selection of honey containers, caps, lids, and customized honey labels. Enter coupon code PODCAST and receive 10% off an order of honey containers, caps, lids, or customized honey labels. Offer ends December 31, 2023. Some exclusions apply. 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On today’s episode, we welcome Dr Brandon Hopkins of Washington State University back to the podcast to talk about his recent research on the benefits of indoor banking of honey bee queens in temperature-controlled storage facilities. Traditionally, queens are banked in small nucs in yards throughout the summer. Queen banking refers to the practice of preserving and storing surplus queen bees for use later in the season. This process allows queen breeders (both backyard and commercial) to maintain a constant supply of healthy and productive queens. By drawing on banked queens, beekeepers can address a range of challenges that may arise, such as replacing aging or underperforming queens, preventing the spread of diseases, or even expanding their operations as the season progresses. Join us as we discuss the benefits of storing banked queens indoors as opposed to outdoors where they can be exposed to all the environmental variables, including extremes in heat, cold, and even smoke!  Should queen breeders and beekeepers purchasing queens may want to consider using queens banked indoors? Also on today’s episode, Jeff talks with Chris Cripps, partner at Betterbee about how Betterbee started and their new sponsorship of BTP. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Brandon's Research Paper "Summer Indoor Queen Banking As An Alturenative To Outdoor Queen Banking Practices": https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/KAJSICTJDMJYBDSEWZQN/full?target=10.1080/00218839.2023.2165747 Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcastKim's Climate Change Blog: https://www.growingplanetmedia.com/blogHoney Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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 We welcome Blue Sky Bee Supply as a sponsor of the podcast! Check out blueskybeesupply.com for the best selection of honey containers, caps, lids, and customized honey labels. Enter coupon code PODCAST and receive 10% off an order of honey containers, caps, lids, or customized honey labels. Offer ends December 31, 2023. Some exclusions apply. 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

“All beekeeping is local” so the saying goes.  On today’s episode, we welcome back our Regional Beekeepers, all from different parts of the country, to see just how localized beekeeping can be. And how much it can be the same, too. Today we’ve asked Rainier Eich (Maine), Mark Smith (North Carolina), Tracy Alarcon (Ohio), Jay Williams(Tennessee), Ed Colby (Colorado), Duane Combs (Arizona) and Paul Longwell (Washington) to talk about their past winter season, the challenges they faced in their area and how they are addressing them.  The “Regionals” range from backyard hobbyist to sideline beekeepers. Chemical free and local breeding to larger expanding operations. Is there a beekeeper here that represents you? Your seasons? Your challenges? What are you doing differently? What are you doing that is the same? Listen today and find out! Also today, we announce our new partnership with Betterbee Beekeeping Supplies as our Key Sponsor. Betterbee has been a sponsoring BTP episodes since 2020!  Betterbee’s dedication to the beekeeper is demonstrated by their focus on beekeeper education, as well as selling quality beekeeping products used by their own beekeeper employees.  They actually use what they sell. They KNOW what they sell. Betterbee is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers.  We are delighted and honored to have Betterbee as our Key Sponsor.  Thank you, Betterbee! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcastKim's Climate Change Blog: https://www.growingplanetmedia.com/blogHoney Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting 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 Strong 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 We welcome Blue Sky Bee Supply as a sponsor of the podcast! Check out blueskybeesupply.com for the best selection of honey containers, caps, lids, and customized honey labels. Enter coupon code PODCAST and receive 10% off an order of honey containers, caps, lids, or customized honey labels. Offer ends December 31, 2023. Some exclusions apply. 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State’s Lopez-Uribe Lab. We’ve invited Robyn as she has researched and written about the Spotted Lantern Fly and how its presence can impact honey production. Have you ever tasted your honey and thought was a bit off, or perhaps… way off?  Maybe even awful?  If you are along the East Coast of the United States and now even parts of the Midwest… check to see if you have the Spotted Lantern Fly in your State and locale. If you do live in an area with the SLF… then what you may be tasting… what your bees may be collecting, is the ‘honey’ created from the sweet ‘honeydew’ excrement from the this imported leafhopper from China. (Yes, the bees can collect enough of the honeydew to produce frames of SLF ‘honey’…) It is a fascinating discussion of yet another invasive species you need to be aware of. Even if you do not live in one of the 13 states currently dealing with this leafhopper, you should know about it. The SLF is spreading fast, preferring the sweet sap of over 70 different plant species, especially grape plants, maple, and the Tree of Heaven. To add insult to injury, the excremented honeydew, attracts not only honey bees, but other insects including wasps, plus, it builds up and promotes the growth of a dark sooty mold can will cover everything. Listen today and be on the watch for the Spotted Lantern Fly! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Penn State Extension Website about the Spotted Lantern Fly: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly Robyn's Research on the Spotted Lantern Fly and Honey Bees: https://academic.oup.com/jee/article-abstract/112/6/2993/5523056?redirectedFrom=fulltextBeekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcastKim's Climate Change Blog: https://www.growingplanetmedia.com/blogHoney Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.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!  We welcome Betterbee as sponsor of today's episode. 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 Thanks to Strong 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 We welcome Blue Sky Bee Supply as a sponsor of the podcast! Check out blueskybeesupply.com for the best selection of honey containers, caps, lids, and customized honey labels. Enter coupon code PODCAST and receive 10% off an order of honey containers, caps, lids, or customized honey labels. Offer ends December 31, 2023. Some exclusions apply. 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Amy Vu is the State Extension Entomologist for the State of Florida. She works out of the University Of Florida’s Honey Bee Research Lab, headed by Dr. Jamie Ellis. As part of the Research Lab she is involved in the many project ongoing there, including The Bee College, The Master Beekeeper programs and Bee Learning courses. She also works closely with the migratory beekeepers who spend winters in Florida, bringing with them about a million colonies each fall. This, certainly is one of the reasons Florida is always in the top ten honey producing states in the US. Another part of her activities is working with Dr. Ellis on the Podcast they produce, Two Bees And A Pod. Another activity is working with the honey sources Florida provides, some of which, unfortunately, are not indigenous, but invasive. Chinese Tallow trees are a good example, and her work with this problem, develping programs that manage the problem plants while, keeping it in check so it doesn’t run amuck and still is useful to beekeepers. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  University of Florida Extension: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/extension/Two Bees in a Podcast: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/podcast/University of Florida Beekeeping Resources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcastKim's Climate Change Blog: https://www.growingplanetmedia.com/blogHoney Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.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!  We welcome Betterbee as sponsor of today's episode. 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 Thanks to Strong 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 We welcome Blue Sky Bee Supply as a sponsor of the podcast! Check out blueskybeesupply.com for the best selection of honey containers, caps, lids, and customized honey labels. Enter coupon code PODCAST and receive 10% off an order of honey containers, caps, lids, or customized honey labels. Offer ends December 31, 2023. Some exclusions apply. 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On today's show, we invite Connecticut Master Beekeeper, Bill Hesbach back to the show to talk about the latest developments in practical varroa management. Whether you are a long time beekeeper, aka BVD beekeeper (Before Varroa Destructor) or a new beekeeper, varroa complicate the way you learn about and manage your honey bee colony. We talk with Bill about varroa and the various management approaches available to beekeepers today. We discuss on-lable and off-lable use of chemicals (organic and non-organic) as well as IPM practices. We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Bill's website: https://www.wingdancehoney.com/ Bill's Book on Splits and Varroa Management: https://www.northernbeebooks.co.uk/products/hesbach-splits-and-varroa/Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcastKim's Climate Change Blog: https://www.growingplanetmedia.com/blogHoney Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.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!  We welcome Betterbee as sponsor of today's episode. 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 Thanks to Strong 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 We welcome Blue Sky Bee Supply as a sponsor of the podcast! Check out blueskybeesupply.com for the best selection of honey containers, caps, lids, and customized honey labels. Enter coupon code PODCAST and receive 10% off an order of honey containers, caps, lids, or customized honey labels. Offer ends December 31, 2023. Some exclusions apply. 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; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC