In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, we welcome an inspiring young voice in honey bee research—Atreya Manaswi, a high school senior and top 40 finalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Atreya shares the fascinating journey that began with a fishing trip and led to a multi-year research project aimed at controlling one of the mos…

Hover flies are everywhere—but most of us don’t even notice them. This week on PolliNation, OSU graduate student Nina Miller unpacks the fascinating world of these bee look-alikes, from their diverse life histories to simple ways you can invite them into your garden. OSU Garden Ecology Lab: https://gardenecology.oregonstate.edu/…

In this week's Podcast: I'm joined by Natalie Armstrong, Inventor and Designer of the awardwinning Hive-Five Multiguard Bee hive Entrance to discuss the entrance and how it is used. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 347 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Check out the Hive Five Multiguard here Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Compan…

Part 2 of a radio-reader episode of Kayla deJong's March 2024 article on the division of labor in a colony. It's fascinating to remember the many roles the bees move through in a lifetime! If you are a subscriber to American Bee Journal you can read the article in the digital archives : https://americanbeejournal.com/ If you are not a subscriber th…

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with his latest “audio postcard,” diving into summer apiary management. As the season heats up, Dewey asks: are we unknowingly stressing our bees through our supering choices? Drawing from a recent Brazilian study led by Dr. David De Jong, Dewey explores the physiological impacts of ov…

In this special episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, we launch our eighth season with a celebration of Pollinator Week and a conversation with Kelly Bills, Executive Director of Pollinator Partnership. Kelly returns to share exciting updates on their growing programs, from the BeeMD diagnostic tool relaunch to the expansion of Bee Friendly Farming …

It’s festival season! If you're near Portland or Vancouver, WA, you won’t want to miss the Vancouver Pollinator Festival happening this Saturday, June 21st at Marshall Park. Our guest, Kyle Roslund, founder of the Vancouver Bee Project, joins us to share what’s in store—from garden tours and hands-on activities to a talk by renowned lepidopterist a…

In this week's Podcast: I’ve seen plenty of queen cells over the last week, but there are some that look different to the others. I’m referring to swarm cells and emergency cells, both queen cells, both perfectly usable, but both different in their own way. listen in to hear my thoughts on these and other beekeeping fun. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Wel…

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff sits down with Jenna York, founder of Jeometry Beewear, a new line of protective beekeeping clothing designed specifically for women. Combining her 10 years of beekeeping experience with two decades in fashion design, Jenna shares how frustration with ill-fitting gear inspired her to create a solution fr…

 This week we delve into the fascinating world of bee communities in disturbed forests with Dr. Graham Frank, a recent PhD graduate from Oregon State University. Dr. Frank shares key insights about how bee communities are influenced by different types of disturbances, and what this means for forest management. Frank, G.S., Rivers, J.W., Verschuyl, …

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Jim Hartman, the 2024 North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year and a dedicated honey producer. Jim shares his journey from military service and corporate life to becoming a full-time “honey farmer” and entrepreneur. His passion for beekeeping and veteran advocacy shines through as he discusses building a…

In this week's Podcast: How often do you inspect your honeybee colonies, weekly, every ten days because you’ve clipped the queens? How about every six or even every five days? Well, this last week I’ve looked at some of my hives at five day intervals, listen in to hear why, and what I found. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 345 of my podc…

A radio-reader episode of Kayla deJong's article in American Bee Journal March 2024 on the division of labor in a colony. It's fascinating to remember the many roles the bees move through in a lifetime! This is part one of two. If you are a subscriber to American Bee Journal you can read the article in the digital archives : https://americanbeejour…

Queen Mating, Bananas and Bees, Sad News, Charlie Bee Viral Vid, Warre Part 2, Homebuilt Long Lang, Multiflora Rose abundance, EPA Varroa Treatment List, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

In this lively episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Dr. Jim Tew, host of Honey Bee Obscura and longtime beekeeper, for an unscripted conversation on the quirks, questions, and quiet joys of summer beekeeping. With decades of experience and a healthy dose of humor, Jim reflects on managing colonies during the busy season—when things rarely go to pla…

In this week's Podcast: I’ve seen the first signs of this seasons swarming activity and we’ve even had a couple of colonies throw up queen cells. For me, it’s perfect timing and those swarm cells are always fantastic to use in splits and other swarm management techniques. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 344 of my podcast, Beekeeping Shor…

Live audio recording of Kevin and Bob, with Sharon helping, performing a shook swarm - and the outcomeBy Kevin Inglin

 In this episode of the Commercial Beekeeping Zone on PolliNation, we hear from Curtis Miedema, a second generation beekeeper from Barhead, Alberta, and President of North America's only beekeeper's commission. Curtis shares insights into stationary beekeeping and how he fits queen production into an operation focused on honey production. He also d…

What do honey bee genetics mean for the everyday beekeeper—and how do researchers untangle traits like foraging behavior, hygienic tendencies, and even pollen hoarding? In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Rob Page, one of the world’s leading experts in honey bee genetics and author of the newly updated Honey Bee Genetics and The Art o…

In this week's Podcast: Happy Easter everyone, Spring has sprung and our colonies are developing nicely. Brood nest areas are growing and, if you overfed your colonies in late Winter, you may find they're lacking a little space. Maybe it's time to consider adding another box! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 343 of my podcast, Beekeeping …

Sting proof Gloves, Mindfulness with bees, Uptick of Aggressive Colonies, The Long Game for better outcomes, Peppermint Candies for SHB, Webcam Follow-Up, Honey Orange Almond Polenta Cake, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

Ep 133 Queen Excluders: the good the bad etc-- A wonderful patron asked that I talk about the pros and cons of using queen excluders so that is the subject of today's episode. Detailed show notes (all the resources I used to prepare today's episode) are available for patrons for further exploration of the MANY opinions on this piece of equipment. h…

On this special World Bee Day edition of Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts, Dr. Dewey Caron shares another “audio postcard” exploring the vital role of communication in supering—adding boxes to a hive for nectar storage and honey production. Dewey explains how supering is a message to the bees: “Fill it up!” He discusses different strategies—top supe…

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky welcome U.S. Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District for a lively and inspiring conversation—not about politics, but about bees. A hobbyist beekeeper with a deep passion for the craft, Jim shares how he got started, the joys of hive management, and why working …

In this week's Podcast: I’m back after my visit to the Harper Adams University in Shropshire for the annual British Beekeepers Association, Spring Convention, and what a great time it was. Details of my trip coming up and also, some thoughts about the development of our colonies right now. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 342 of my podcas…

One on One with Nick Hoefly - Astoria Queens beekeeper New York City, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

In this 2025 spring beekeeping update, Jeff and Becky gather beekeepers from across the country for a timely check-in on seasonal progress, survival rates, and challenges. Joining the table are Ang Roell (MA/FL), Bonnie Morse (CA), Duane Combs (AZ), and Jay Williams (TN), each offering a candid look at their spring buildup after a winter marked by …

Lack of Swarms, is Nosema to blame for Winter Losses, Grout Tool use in beekeeping, Asking for Webcam advice, Swarms coming back year on year, Using a hive tool to extract frames, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

Springtime greetings to you all! Part one of today's episode is a chat on the evolution of how I keep records in my own apiary, in hopes there may be helpful ideas for your own. Then part two is a wonderful letter about experiences with Layens Hive beekeeping from listener William along with some of the great gadgets he has developed for working wi…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. Humberto Boncristiani, bee biologist, educator, and founder of InsideTheHive.TV. Humberto shares his compelling journey from growing up with Africanized bees in Brazil to becoming a leading voice in honey bee health research and education. He discusses how his scientific work—ranging from virology to appl…

In this week's Podcast: It’s on your marks, get set, and Go! We’ve carried out our first brief, but important inspections along with some Spring cleaning and as usual, it’s a mixed bag. Listen in to find out how I got on. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 341 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Compan…

Report card on chemical free-TF methodology, Elaboration of 2025 plans, Local Hive report with Bob KlossBy Kevin Inglin

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with an “audio postcard” on one of spring’s biggest challenges: swarming. In less than 20 minutes, Dewey breaks down the science and management strategies of swarming across three communication levels—bee scientist to beekeeper, beekeeper to bees, and bee to bee. Dewey emphasizes that …

Dr. Samuel Ramsey returns to the podcast with jaw-dropping updates from his global research into Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites. In this fast-paced and eye-opening conversation, Sammy shares the latest findings from his Honey Bee-nome Project, including recent fieldwork in the Philippines, rat–mite mysteries, and the alarming resilience of Tropilael…

In this week's Podcast: Today I’m joined by Simon Mildren, Founder and CEO of Hivekeepers and his Micro Honey Harvester to find out more about this interesting piece of kit and how it might change the way you extract honey. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 340 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Find out more about Hivekeepers Micr…

This episodes concludes the series on splits, with the best saved for last: The Reverse Doolittle, aka The Cutdown. (Best for intermediate beekeepers. ) Also, a review of split dynamics for beginners. Exclusive for patrons on the Patreon post are links for the how-to, drawing of the whole process, and the complete handout for the splits talk I gave…

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky talk with Rowdy Freeman, a deputy sheriff from California who has become a leading figure in the fight against beehive theft. What began as a criminal investigation over a decade ago drew Rowdy into the world of bees, and today he’s not only a law enforcement expert but also a commercial b…

In this week's Podcast: Well it’s turned cold and I’m looking almost hourly at the long-range forecast for a glimmer of warmer weather, it’s not far off and we have colonies in desperate need of some settled, warmer weather to be sure. I’m filling my time by considering our queen-rearing plans and the role of the Finisher Colony, listen in for my t…

Chocolate infused honey, Giving Wax to installed swarms, Pollen Patties, Abelo shim to make mediums into deeps, Ready Comb, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Amy Floyd and Everett Hendrixon of Dalan Animal Health back to the podcast to discuss the latest developments surrounding honey bee vaccination. With spring queen orders underway, many beekeepers are exploring the option of vaccinated queens to help protect their colonies from brood diseases and beyond. Amy, …

In this week's Podcast: Another warm week and the bees are out flying, it’s a delight to see. I’m still not carrying out inspections, it’s way too early, I am however, thinking about queen rearing and the process of cell production using the Cloake Board method. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 338 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Swee…

VarroxSan Vita Response, Tasting Honey, Swarm Bust, Adding Supers, BeeSwarmed, Hoodie with Veil, Hydrogen Peroxide, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

Talking today about the handy and easy Nuc (or Retirement Nuc) split; using a quiet box; making and using a Doolittle Box....with a printable PDFs on making a Nucleus Split and a Doolittle box exclusively for patrons on the Five Apple Patreon Post -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreo…

 We hear from Lincoln Best and August Jackson from Oregon State University this week about an initiative to inventory the bees of National Wildlife Refuges in Region 1 by Master Melittologist volunteers. Link to year 1 report: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/technical_reports/xd07h2826

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, certified honey judge Stephanie Slater joins Jeff and Becky to demystify the art and science of honey shows. From understanding how entries are judged to tips on preparing award-winning honey, Stephanie shares her journey from entering her first show in 2019 to becoming Wisconsin’s first certified judge …

In this week's Podcast: It's warm and I’ve no doubt that bee hives are going to be inspected all over the UK in the coming days, I have a cautionary tale for you. Also, following on from last week, today I'm having a think about colonies used for queen cell development, particularly, the Cloake Board method, it's one I've used and had success with …

Swarm Commander for Bait Hives, Clipping Queens, Insulation Removal, Hive Hugger, Spring Watering of Bees, Yellow Jacket Queen Trapping, Broodminder BeeTV, VarroxSan Run Through, Local Hive ReportBy Kevin Inglin

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, we welcome back Dr. Dewey Caron for a quick yet insightful Audio Postcard on honey bee communication – Bee Scientist to Beekeeper, Beekeeper to Bee, and Bee to Bee. Dr. Caron shares timely advice for beekeepers, from colony assessments to spring preparations. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced beekeeper…

Online beekeeping education has come a long way—and the University of Montana is leading the way. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Dr. Scott Debnam, head beekeeper and lead instructor for UM’s Online Master Beekeeping Program, about how the program has evolved over the past 12 years and why it continues to grow. Scott shares how the progra…

The attention to California almonds, means the pollination of Washington State tree fruits is often overlooked. But the massive pollination effort in Washington is a huge effort and may be facing potential problems. Harry and Andony catch up with commercial beekeeper Tim Hiatt to discuss tree fruit pollination, as well as Tim's efforts to advocate …