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Beekeeping Today Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Jeff Ott, Becky Masterman
The weekly podcast bringing beekeepers the latest news, research, and insights on honey bees. Hosted by Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman, each episode features conversations with beekeepers, scientists, authors, and industry leaders. Whether you're just starting your first hive or managing hundreds, you'll find practical tips, fresh perspectives, and engaging stories to inspire your beekeeping journey.
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- 2 days ago49 min
Beekeeping Education and the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab with Amy Vu (395)
Education remains one of the most powerful tools available to beekeepers, and few people exemplify that mission better than Amy Vu. As Extension Coordinator for the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab, Amy oversees one of the country's premier Master Beekeeper Programs, co-hosts Two Bees in a Podcast, develops online educational resources, and helps translate university research into practical information for beekeepers everywhere. In this episode, Amy shares her journey from agronomy and soils science to becoming one of the nation's leading honey bee educators. Along the way, she discusses how Extension programs help bridge the gap between research and everyday beekeeping while supporting everyone from beginning hobbyists to commercial operators. Jeff, Becky, and Amy also explore her recent educational expedition to Thailand, where participants studied native honey bee species, observed Tropilaelaps mites in their natural environment, and practiced strict biosecurity measures designed to reduce the risk of introducing invasive pests into North America. The conversation continues with an update on the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab, including Bee College, the Florida Master Beekeeper Program, ongoing research under Dr. Cameron Jack, and the future of the laboratory following Jamie Ellis' transition. Finally, Amy discusses Florida's successful "Leveling Up" initiative, a USDA-supported program helping hobbyist beekeepers build sustainable businesses through business planning, marketing, branding, and value-added hive products. Whether you're managing two colonies or two thousand, this episode offers practical insight into how education, research, and collaboration continue strengthening modern beekeeping Websites from the episode and others we recommend: University of Florida Bee Lab: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive
- 1 weeks ago41 min
The Boys and the Bees with Nehemiah Ray (394)
Sometimes the most memorable beekeeping stories have very little to do with honey production. This week, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Nehemiah Ray, a Georgia beekeeper whose family's everyday life inspired the Sundance Award-winning documentary The Boys and the Bees. What began as a pest control assignment to remove honey bees from a home unexpectedly launched Nehemiah into beekeeping, live honey bee removals, and eventually a life centered around teaching others about nature, family, and stewardship. Nehemiah recounts learning beekeeping almost entirely through books, YouTube, and experience before joining the Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association. He discusses the challenges of managing honey bee removals, maintaining survivor stock with an emphasis on naturally selected Varroa-resistant genetics, coping with Georgia's difficult weather extremes, and balancing beekeeping with family life and business ownership. The conversation then turns to The Boys and the Bees, the award-winning documentary that follows Nehemiah, his wife Eliza, and their two sons. Rather than simply documenting beekeeping, the film beautifully captures the relationship between a father and his children, the lessons learned from honey bees, and the importance of curiosity, courage, and spending meaningful time together outdoors. Jeff and Becky reflect on one particularly moving scene in which Nehemiah carefully guides his son through receiving his first honey bee sting—a moment that has resonated deeply with audiences and fathers around the world. Whether you're a beekeeper, parent, educator, or simply appreciate stories about family and nature, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that honey bees often teach us as much about ourselves as they do about beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: The Boys and the Bees Website: https://www.raysdwild.com Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Prod
- 2 weeks ago25 min
Bee Science with Dewey Caron: The Honey Bee Dance Language
How can a honey bee with a brain smaller than a sesame seed communicate the exact location of food to thousands of nestmates? In this episode of Bee Science with Dewey, Dr. Dewey Caron explores one of the most remarkable discoveries in honey bee biology—the dance language. Beginning with the evolutionary pressures that shaped honey bee communication, Dewey explains why efficient foraging became essential for colonies surviving long northern winters. He describes how scout bees locate profitable nectar, pollen, water, and even potential nest sites before returning to the colony to recruit other foragers through highly structured dances. Listeners will learn the differences between the round dance, sickle dance, and waggle dance, and how each communicates information about distance, direction, and resource quality. Dewey also examines the groundbreaking research of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Karl von Frisch, whose meticulous experiments first decoded the language of bee dancing and forever changed our understanding of insect behavior. Along the way, the discussion explores how honey bees use the sun's position, gravity, sound, odors, and even subtle physiological changes to coordinate colony-level decision making. Dewey also highlights how scientific understanding continues to evolve as new discoveries refine earlier interpretations of bee communication. Whether you're a beginning beekeeper or a lifelong student of honey bee biology, this episode provides an engaging look into one of nature's most sophisticated communication systems and reminds us just how extraordinary a honey bee colony truly is. Links and references mentioned in this episode von Frisch, K. 1950. Bees, their Vision, Chemical Senses and Language. Cornell Univ Press. 119 pages (revisions) von Frisch, K. (translated by L.E. Chadwick) 1967. The Dance Language and Orientation of Bees (translation of Tanzsprache und Orientierung der Bienen). Harvard University Press. 566 pages Caron, Dewey M.& Lawrence J. Connor. 2024. Honey Bee Biology & Beekeeping. Wicwas Press. 480 pages Georgia Tech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFDGPgXtK-U - 77 min. 28 sec. 2011) Also a Science magazine video by James Nieh of U California is a great resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cylim87fFgU Affermation By Steve Straight: https://graysonbooks.com/products/affirmation-by-steve-straight ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. <span style="font-
- 2 weeks ago55 min
Beekeeping Success Around the World with Dr. Robert Owen (393)
What can beekeepers learn from Australia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Georgia, and Thailand? This week Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Robert Owen, beekeeper, educator, researcher, author, and international consultant, for a wide-ranging conversation about honey bees, beginning beekeeping, queen breeding, honey bee genetics, disease management, and global beekeeping practices. Robert shares the remarkable story of purchasing his first colony in Australia, building a successful beekeeping supply company, earning a PhD in honey bee genetics, and writing several influential beekeeping books. The discussion explores his newest publication, Beekeeping Success: Start Right, Grow Strong Colonies and Harvest More Honey, which was designed as a practical field guide organized around the questions beekeepers most frequently ask. Listeners will also hear Robert's perspective on Varroa management in Australia, emerging concerns surrounding Tropilaelaps mites, international bee health programs, integrated pest management, queen isolation techniques, and the importance of collaboration among beekeepers worldwide. From migratory pollination in Australia to beekeeping development projects in Africa and Asia, this conversation offers a fascinating global perspective on honey bee management and the future of beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Robert Owen's Book on Amazon: Beekeeping Success: Start Right, Grow Strong Colonies, Harvest More Honey Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. Whe
- 3 weeks ago41 min
Building Better Bee Nutrition and RNAi Tools with with Vincent Ricigliano, PhD (392)
Honey bee nutrition is more complex than simply providing protein. In this episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Vincent Ricigliano to discuss emerging research exploring algae-based supplemental diets, functional feeds, RNA interference technologies, and new approaches to supporting colony health. Vincent explains how microalgae such as spirulina and chlorella may help improve supplemental feeding by providing highly bioavailable proteins, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and micronutrients that more closely resemble natural pollen. The discussion explores how modern nutritional science can help create more complete diets for honey bees. The conversation also examines RNA interference (RNAi) technologies, including approaches designed to suppress viral pathogens and potentially manage Varroa mites. Vincent shares insights into ongoing research involving antiviral RNA delivery systems, sustainable production methods, and future biotechnology tools that may complement integrated pest management strategies. Along the way, the discussion touches on pollinator health, commercial beekeeping collaborations, miticide resistance, and the continuing search for practical tools that improve colony resilience under modern beekeeping conditions. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their lin
- 4 weeks ago16 min
Winning At Honey with Stephanie: Creating Award-Winning Beeswax Exhibits
In this Bonus Short episode of Beekeeping Today, Stephanie Slater returns with another installment of Winning at Honey with Stephanie, sharing updates from a busy start to summer and offering practical guidance for preparing beeswax entries for honey show competition. Stephanie begins with highlights from the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference at Michigan State University, where attendees enjoyed presentations, vendors, social events, and hands-on apiary experiences. She also recaps teaching a youth beekeeping summer camp for fifth through eighth graders, where the students learned honey bee biology, made lip balm, tasted honey, and practiced simulated mite checks. The main focus of this episode is beeswax competition preparation. Stephanie explains what judges look for in beeswax exhibits, including cleanliness, appearance, aroma, texture, craftsmanship, proper weight, and compliance with show rules. She covers safety when melting beeswax, why lower heat and slower cooling produce better results, and which tools and materials help create cleaner, more polished entries. Stephanie also offers advice on candle molds, cotton wicking, primed wicks, centered wicks, flat bases, consistent candle pairs or sets, and how to avoid common defects such as cracks, debris, uneven surfaces, off aromas, and overheating. She emphasizes using clean cappings wax, checking weights carefully, reading the rules for each show, and practicing with new molds before entering competition. Websites mentioned: American Honey Judges Association – https://honeyshowusa.com Larimer County Fair Honey Show - https://honeyshowusa.com/portal/event/info/?reset=1&id=57 South Carolina Beekeepers Association Honey Show - https://honeyshowusa.com/portal/event/info/?reset=1&id=52 ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
- Jun 29, 202657 min
Instrumental Insemination of Honey Bee Queens with Dr. Jack Rath (391)
In this episode of Beekeeping Today, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman continue the Queen Series with Dr. Jack Rath, founder of Betterbee, veterinarian, beekeeper, and queen breeder. The conversation focuses on instrumental insemination of honey bee queens, a highly technical process used to support selective breeding and maintain valuable honey bee genetics. Jack explains how he moved from beekeeping as a high school student to veterinary medicine, queen rearing, and eventually instrumental insemination. Drawing on his experience with reproductive work in cattle and horses, he describes both the similarities and major differences between livestock breeding and honey bee breeding. The discussion explores why instrumentally inseminated queens are usually considered breeder queens, how queen breeders select for traits such as Varroa resistance, gentleness, honey production, and overwintering ability, and why drone selection is just as important as queen selection. Jack also walks through the timing required to produce virgin queens, collect drones, harvest semen, inseminate queens, and provide proper aftercare. He explains why the process requires careful colony management, strong organizational skills, good timing, and a steady hand. The episode also touches on the importance of genetic diversity, the limits of selecting for a single trait, and why queen breeders must balance desirable characteristics without narrowing their breeding stock too far. Whether you are a backyard beekeeper curious about where queens come from or an experienced beekeeper interested in breeding programs, this conversation offers a clear, practical look at one of the most specialized skills in modern beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your nex
- Jun 22, 20265 min
Varroa Management Guide Update: What Beekeepers Need to Know
The Honey Bee Health Coalition just released the 9th edition of the Varroa Management Guide. For many beekeepers, this guide has become the go-to reference for cutting through misinformation and focusing on proven, research-backed practices. With this latest edition, the Coalition has made meaningful updates that reflect the increasing difficulty of controlling Varroa, even when best practices are followed. One of the most important changes is the adjustment of treatment thresholds. Becky points out that previous thresholds may not have been aggressive enough, particularly in environments where reinfestation pressure is high. The updated guide now takes a more responsive approach, incorporating seasonal context and more precise mite level guidance. In addition, the guide expands treatment options and improves decision-making frameworks. It integrates key variables such as temperature, brood presence, and honey production timing—helping beekeepers choose the right treatment at the right time while minimizing unintended consequences. Jeff emphasizes the ongoing challenge Varroa presents in the apiary, reinforcing the need for reliable guidance grounded in science. Together, he and Becky encourage listeners to download and study the updated guide, making it a central part of their Varroa management strategy. This short episode serves as both an announcement and a reminder: effective Varroa management requires staying current, adapting strategies, and relying on trusted resources. Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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About Beekeeping Today Podcast
The weekly podcast bringing beekeepers the latest news, research, and insights on honey bees. Hosted by Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman, each episode features conversations with beekeepers, scientists, authors, and industry leaders. Whether you're just starting your first hive or managing hundreds, you'll find practical tips, fresh perspectives, and engaging stories to inspire your beekeeping journey.
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