Best Beekeeping Practices Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 144 – Requeening Your Colony: A Practical Guide 👑🐝 34:36

15d ago34:36

34:36

Requeening a hive is one of the most important, and sometimes most confusing, tasks beekeepers face. Whether your queen is failing, gone, or just not cutting it, knowing how and when to step in can make or break your colony’s productivity. What’s Inside This Episode: How to tell if your queen is gone (and why no eggs doesn’t always mean queenless) …

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Episode 150 – The Bee Buzz (25): Spring Feeding, Hive Health, & Q&A 🐝📬 44:13

5h ago44:13

44:13

The Bee Buzz is back! After a long break, we’re reviving this listener-favorite format where we answer your questions directly. From feeding bees in spring, to how much honey is enough to get through winter, to deciding when to add a second brood box—we’re covering a huge range of practical Q&A topics in this special milestone episode. What’s Insid…

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Episode 27 - Swarms, Splits, Market Sales and more! 58:16

15h ago58:16

58:16

Welcome to Episode 27 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Swarms: Luke and Steve continue to pick up swarms! Splits: It's that time of year to make your splits. Luke and Steve discuss how we do that. Moving Bees to Clover Farm: Luke and Steve discuss moving som…

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Episode 149 – Feeding Bees: When, What, and How Much 🍯🐝 36:09

3d ago36:09

36:09

Feeding bees is one of the most misunderstood topics in beekeeping. In this episode, we talk about when you should feed, what you should feed (syrup, patties, honey frames, and more), and how much is enough. Whether you're managing packages, nucs, or full colonies, this episode will help you feed with purpose, not just habit. What’s Inside This Epi…

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Episode 148 – Smooth Moves: Relocating Bee Colonies the Right Way 🌸🐝 28:45

7d ago28:45

28:45

In this episode, we talk about the right (and wrong) ways to move bees to a new location. Whether you’re relocating a hive two miles or two hundred, learn how to minimize stress, avoid major bee loss, and keep your colonies thriving. Plus, updates on swarm season and new traps at the property! 🐝 What’s Inside This Episode: How far honey bees can re…

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Episode 147 – Understanding Bee Roles and Behavior 🧠🐝 32:12

10d ago32:12

32:12

In this episode, we dive deep into how honey bee colonies are structured and why understanding bee behavior can make you a calmer, more effective beekeeper. We cover the different castes of bees, what drives their daily decisions, how pheromones regulate everything inside the hive, and tips to work with your bees, not against them. What’s Inside Th…

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Episode 26 - Nucs Pickup and Delivery, Queen Orders, Cutouts, Splits, and OA Strips and more! 1:00:34

11d ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Welcome to Episode 26 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Nuc Pickup and Dispersion Adventure: Luke and Steve pick up some nucs! House Cutout: What happens to bees where they are not supposed to be? In the News: Honeybee Losses: Honeybee losses hit the mainstre…

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Episode 146 – Bees in the News (27): Swarms, Rooftop Honey & Bee Yoga?! 🐝🗞️ 12:23

12d ago12:23

12:23

From pub patio swarms in England to rooftop hives in Chicago—and even yoga sessions with bees—this Bees in the News installment covers the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain “what?” in the world of bees. What’s Inside This Episode: A 3,000-bee swarm descends on a British pub mid-pint Chicago hotel rooftop bees add sweetness to guest stays New…

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Episode 145 – Is My Colony Queenless? How to Tell & What to Do 👑🐝 30:19

14d ago30:19

30:19

So… you open the hive and don’t see any eggs. Panic sets in. Did she die? Did they swarm? Did you crush her?! In this episode, we walk through how to tell whether your colony is actually queenless—and what to do if it is. What’s Inside This Episode: Real reasons your queen might be gone False alarms that trick new beekeepers into requeening too soo…

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Episode 143 - The Demaree Method: Swarm Control Without Splitting 🐝🔧 20:54

21d ago20:54

20:54

Ever hear beekeepers talk about the "Demaree split" and wonder what it actually is? Spoiler alert: it's not a real split. In this episode, we walk through the Demaree Method of Swarm Control, a smart hive reorganization technique that helps manage swarm urges without creating a new colony. What’s Inside This Episode: What the Demaree Method is (and…

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Episode 142 – Swarm Prevention: Keeping Your Bees from Leaving 🏃🐝 26:33

22d ago26:33

26:33

Swarming is a natural part of honey bee biology—but that doesn’t mean it has to happen in your apiary. In this episode, we break down the triggers that lead to swarms and the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk. From adding supers to splitting strong colonies, we’ll cover what works, what’s optional, and what to avoid. What’s Inside Thi…

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Episode 25 - Spring is Here... sort of, Feeding Still?, Process of Getting Nucs, Better Mite Treatment Schedule, Honeybee Hotline, Droning On 50:55

25d ago50:55

50:55

Welcome to Episode 25 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Spring Weather: Cold weather keeping you out of your hives? Feed or Not: Should we be feeding still? Speaking to Groups: How and when do we talk about bees? First Dandelions! Getting Nucs: What is the pr…

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Episode 141 – How to Inspect a Hive Like a Pro (Without Overdoing It!) 🔍🐝 29:47

28d ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of hive inspections—from timing and tools to what to look for and what to leave alone. Whether you’re in your first season or your tenth, this guide will help you inspect your hives with confidence, purpose, and minimal disruption to your bees. What’s Inside This Episode: • Why inspections are critica…

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Episode 140 – Packages and Nucs: What to Expect the First 30 Days 📦🐝 30:27

29d ago30:27

30:27

If you’re about to install bees — or just did — this episode walks you through what to expect during the first 30 days of a new colony. From queen acceptance to feeder strategies and early inspections, we’ll help you avoid common mistakes and start your beekeeping season strong. What’s Inside This Episode: Quick overview of packages vs. nucs Why qu…

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Episode 139 – How to Keep Records: The Beekeeper’s Notebook 📖🐝 32:05

1M ago32:05

32:05

Over half a million downloads, a top 1.5% global ranking, and Feedspot’s Top 10 Beekeeping Podcast award — we’re celebrating some milestones and diving into an essential skill: keeping records. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring pro, your beekeeping notes matter. In this episode, we cover the importance of documentation, what to record for each …

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24 - Spring is Around the Corner, Spring Treatment Theory, Feed or Not to Feed, Queen Grafting Class, Wax Prices 50:15

1M ago50:15

50:15

Welcome to Episode 24 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Spring Treatment: OA treatment in our hives. Canadian Beekeeper Blog Breakdown: Mite count theory that holds some water. To Feed or Not to Feed: What we are we feeding and how? Bees are Working: Are the …

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Episode 138 - Beginner Beekeeping Mistakes: What NOT to Do 🚨🐝 21:47

1M ago21:47

21:47

New beekeepers make a lot of mistakes, but many of them are easily avoidable if you know what to look out for. In this episode, I go through some of the most common beginner beekeeping mistakes and how to avoid them—so you don’t end up losing colonies, wasting money, or making your life harder than it needs to be! 📌 What’s Inside This Episode? ✔️ W…

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Episode 137 - Single vs. Double Deep Brood Boxes: Which One is Better? 🏠🐝 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

Should you use a single deep or double deep for your brood chamber? 🏠🐝 In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of each setup, when to use them, and how they impact colony growth, inspections, and swarm management. 📌 What’s Inside This Episode? ✔️ The math behind brood space—do bees really run out of room? 🧮🐝 ✔️ Pros & cons of single vs. dou…

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Episode 136 - How to Start a Beekeeping Business: Legal & Profitable Steps 🏛️🐝 44:58

2M ago44:58

44:58

Want to turn beekeeping into a profitable business? 🏛️🐝 In this episode, I break down everything you need to knowabout starting a beekeeping business the right way—from choosing a business structure to legal requirements, taxes, and protecting yourself with insurance. 📌 What’s Inside This Episode? ✔️ How to legally structure your beekeeping busines…

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Episode 135 - Beekeeping Gear Checklist: What You Need for Year One 🛠️🐝 33:31

2M ago33:31

33:31

Starting beekeeping this year? 🐝 Getting the right gear is key to setting yourself up for success. In this episode, we go through everything you need to get through your first season, from protective equipment to hive components, feeders, and hive stand options. We also cover why every beekeeper should have a backup hive and a nuc box—because you n…

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Episode 23 - Spring Feeding, Our Winter Losses, Poor Queens, US Honeybee Survey, Honey Tasting and More 51:10

2M ago51:10

51:10

Welcome to Episode 23 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Spring Feeding: In order to build up our hives for spring, we are feeding our bees. Winter Losses: How did we do with our hives? Steve and Luke report. In the News: Why Are Poor Queens Poor (ABJ Article)…

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Episode 134 - The Real Cost of Beekeeping: What They Don’t Tell You 💰🐝 31:49

2M ago31:49

31:49

Beekeeping isn’t as cheap as many think—so what’s the real cost of getting started? In this episode, I break down the actual expenses of beekeeping, from startup costs to hidden fees you might not expect. If you're thinking about getting into beekeeping, this episode will help you budget wisely and avoid financial surprises. What’s Inside This Epis…

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Episode 133 - Package Bees vs. Nucs: Which is Right for You? 🐝📦 59:31

2M ago59:31

59:31

Are package bees or nucleus colonies (nucs) the better choice for starting a new hive? In this episode, I break down the key differences, pros, and cons of both options. From installation to colony growth, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to make the best choice for your beekeeping goals. What’s Inside This Episode: What are package bees…

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Episode 132 - The Beekeeping Triangle: Honey, Money, or Life? 🐝💰❤️ 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

Can you have it all in beekeeping—big honey harvests, low costs, and strong overwintering colonies? In this episode, we explore the Beekeeping Triangle: the three key priorities every beekeeper must balance—honey, money, or life. Whether you want a thriving apiary or a booming honey business, you’ll have to make choices! 💡 What’s Inside This Episod…

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Episode 22 - Break in the Winter, Luke's Yucatan Peninsula Bee Visit, Interview with Dalan Animal Health about their AFB Vaccine and more! 1:30:16

3M ago1:30:16

1:30:16

Welcome to Episode 22 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Break in the Winter: A break gives us a peek at some of Steve's hives. Yucatan Honeybee Update: Luke went to visit some Mayans in the Yucatan Peninsula and got to work some Africanized bees, and also vis…

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Episode 131 - The 2025 Honey Bee Crisis: What’s Really Happening? 🐝⚠️ 27:26

3M ago27:26

27:26

Beekeepers across the U.S. are reporting massive honey bee colony losses—some exceeding 50%. What’s behind this sudden crisis? In this episode, we break down the facts, discuss possible causes, and explore what it means for new and experienced beekeepers alike. What’s Inside This Episode: Shocking colony loss statistics and financial impact How thi…

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6. Advocating for Honey with Eugene Makovec 1:14:45

3M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

In this episode, we welcome Eugene Makovec, the editor of the American Bee Journal and a passionate advocate for the beekeeping community. Eugene's remarkable 30-year journey from a Wisconsin dairy farm to managing Sweet Harvest Honey in Missouri is a testament to his dedication and love for beekeeping. Throughout the episode, Eugene shares insight…

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Episode 130 - Bees in the News (26): QR Codes, Varroa Timing, and Brainy Bees 📰🐝 15:22

3M ago15:22

15:22

This week's Bees in the News is packed with fascinating research and unexpected discoveries! Penn State researchers explore how native bees recover when honeybees leave an area, scientists use QR codes to track bee movements, and a new study highlights the importance of varroa treatment timing. Plus, honeybees might have math skills—seriously! And …

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Beekeeping Program at Institute of American Indian Arts 49:48

3M ago49:48

49:48

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, three fourths of the world's flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world's food crops depend on pollinators to reproduce. We interviewed Melanie Kirby and Davon Collins to learn more about the beekeping program at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. Relevant Links: IAIA’s Be…

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5. Hygienic Bees with Phoebe Synder 54:33

3M ago54:33

54:33

Join us for an engaging episode of Apiary Chronicles as we explore the fascinating world of beekeeping with our guest, Phoebe Snyder, a dedicated beekeeper from Greensboro, North Carolina. Discover Phoebe's intriguing journey into beekeeping, starting from her childhood on a farm in Western Maryland and her unique experience selling praying mantis …

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Episode 129 - Why I Focus on Langstroth Hives & A Hard Conversation 🐝 45:08

3M ago45:08

45:08

Why do I only talk about the Langstroth hive? While there are many hive styles out there, I almost exclusively focus on this one. In this episode, I explain why it is my go-to choice for new beekeepers and why I rarely highlight alternatives. But today’s episode also takes a serious turn. At the end, I open up about a difficult topic—mental health …

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Episode 128 - Where Did My Queen Go? Understanding Seasonal Brood Breaks 👑🐝 32:50

3M ago32:50

32:50

What’s Inside This Episode Have you ever opened your hive and suddenly thought, I lost my queen!? You’re not alone! Many beekeepers, especially in their first few years, experience this moment of panic. But before you jump to conclusions, let’s talk about the real reasons why your queen might seem to disappear—especially during seasonal brood break…

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Episode 127 - Should You Buy Bees from the Same Place Every Year? 🐝🤔 21:14

3M ago21:14

21:14

In this episode, I tackle a common question from the beekeeping community—should you buy your bees from the same supplier every year? We explore key factors to consider when purchasing bees, including genetics, supplier reliability, and local adaptation. Whether you're a new beekeeper or a seasoned pro, understanding the benefits and potential pitf…

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Welcome to 2025! Breakdown of the North America Honeybee Expo, Preview of 2025 Podcasts 58:25

3M ago58:25

58:25

Welcome to Episode 21 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. North American Honeybee Expo: Widgets we purchased, reivew of Cory Stevens and if we are going to try instrumental insemination of queens, and Randy Oliver's review on varroa mites. Propola Hive Body: https://www.premier…

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4. From Bee Cutouts to Sustainable Practices with Randy McCaffrey 58:37

3M ago58:37

58:37

Join us as we explore the world of beekeeping through the fascinating experiences of Randy McCaffrey, known as 628 Dirt Rooster on social media. Randy's journey into beekeeping began unexpectedly when his brother enlisted his help with a challenging bee cutout from an old furniture warehouse. This adrenaline-filled encounter sparked Randy's passion…

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Episode 126 - Varroa Mites: The “HIV” of the Bee World and Why They’re So Destructive 🐝🪲 28:10

4M ago28:10

28:10

In this episode, I dive deep into the biology and behavior of Varroa mites and why they’re often compared to HIV in their devastating impact on honeybee colonies. Learn how these parasites spread viruses, weaken colonies, and leave bees vulnerable to secondary infections. I also explore effective management strategies to keep these relentless pests…

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3. From Backyard Hives to Swarmed with Mateo Kaiser 52:39

4M ago52:39

52:39

Unlock the secrets of beekeeping with our guest, Mateo Kaiser, as we explore the art and science behind this rewarding hobby. Discover how Mateo transformed his backyard in Mountain View, California, into a thriving small-scale apiary during the pandemic, and learn why beekeeping is the perfect low-maintenance alternative to traditional pets. With …

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Episode 125 - My 2025 Varroa Strategy: Stay Ahead of the Mite Problem 🐝 30:01

4M ago30:01

30:01

In this episode, I walk you through my updated 2025 strategy for tackling the persistent challenge of Varroa mites. We’ll explore my go-to treatment methods, the reasoning behind them, and new techniques I plan to implement this year. From managing mite resistance to integrating sacrificial drone brood, I share actionable steps to keep your colonie…

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Episode 124 - How the Polar Vortex Affects Honeybees 🌬️🐝 18:34

4M ago18:34

18:34

In this special episode of Beekeeping For Newbees, we address the pressing concerns beekeepers face during a polar vortex. As cold air sweeps across regions, questions pour in about how these extreme conditions impact honeybee colonies. If you’re worried about your bees, this episode is for you! What’s Inside This Episode: What is a polar vortex, a…

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2. Exploring the World of Bees and Digital Creations with Fred Dunn 1:04:55

4M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Join us for a exploration into the multifaceted world of Fred Dunn, a dedicated beekeeper, photographer, and animal enthusiast. Fred shares his inspiring journey into beekeeping, driven by his fascination with animal behavior and the phenomenon of colony collapse disorder. Discover the intricacies of his apiary, "The Way to Bee," nestled in the sno…

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Episode 123 - Where to Place Your Hives 🐝🏡 37:59

4M ago37:59

37:59

In this episode, we continue our journey to help new beekeepers get started on the right foot! 🐝 This episode focuses on one of the most important decisions you'll make: where to place your hives. We dive into the key considerations for choosing the perfect hive location and share practical tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you're a backyard b…

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Celebrating Milestones: 10 Years of Supporting Resilience 22:42

4M ago22:42

22:42

This month we are celebrating major milestones and want to share those with you. The Climate Hub network just celebrated its 10 year anniversary. As part of that anniversary our partners recorded short stories about some of their favorite projects. We have compiled a selection of those for this episode to kick off the new year. Relevant links: USDA…

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1. Thriving Colonies Through Natural Practices with Mr. Ed 53:32

4M ago53:32

53:32

Join us for an engaging conversation on the Apiary Chronicles podcast, where I sit down with the Jeff Harchoff, also known as Mr Ed. We explore his fascinating journey in beekeeping, which began in 1978 when a friend's passion for bees sparked his interest. Mr Ed recounts his transition from the bustling city of New Orleans to the serene countrysid…

1
Episode 122 - Starting Beekeeping? Research These Laws First! 🐝⚖️ 27:44

4M ago27:44

27:44

Before setting up your first hive, there are important rules and regulations to understand to avoid fines, complaints, or moving your bees. Beekeeping is an incredible journey, but it comes with responsibilities. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the research you need to conduct to ensure you’re starting the right way. What’s Inside…

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Episode 121 - Finding a Great Beekeeping Mentor 🐝 29:06

4M ago29:06

29:06

In this episode, we share valuable tips and tricks for finding a beekeeping mentor who can guide you on your journey. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your skills, a great mentor makes all the difference! 🐝✨ What’s Inside This Episode: How to connect with local bee clubs and online communities. Tips for approaching potential mento…

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Episode 20 - Christmas Holiday Shopping Special 56:35

5M ago56:35

56:35

Welcome to Episode 20 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. This Episode we are going to talk to our shopping special and ideas we have for beekeepers this holiday season! Please note there are Amazon Affiliate Links here that give us 3% of the overall purchase price if you do cl…

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Episode 120 – Pollen Traps: The Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips for Harvesting Pollen 🐝🌼 26:33

5M ago26:33

26:33

In this episode, I dive into everything you need to know about pollen traps: why you might want to use them, the tools and methods involved, and how to handle and store the pollen you collect. I also cover some of the potential downsides to using pollen traps and share tips on how to package pollen for sale. Whether you’re curious about supplementi…

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Episode 119 - Winter Beekeeping Myths and Feeding Strategies 🐝❄️ 38:29

5M ago38:29

38:29

In this episode, I’m diving into some common winter beekeeping myths and practical feeding strategies. From fondant and granulated sugar to quilt boxes and hive wraps, we’ll cover how to keep your hives healthy through the colder months. Plus, I’ll share insights on genetics, local mentorship, and tips for adapting your approach to your climate. Ha…

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Episode 19 - Winter Sets In, Drones 101, and Holiday Markets 47:37

5M ago47:37

47:37

Welcome to Episode 19 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Final OA Treatment: One last OA treatment for the year! Winter Prep: Buttoning up for winter In the News: Beekeeping 101: Drones and how they help the hive! Upcoming Beekeeping Courses: Find your local c…

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Apiary Chronicles Introduction 6:04

5M ago6:04

6:04

Standing on the seat of my dad’s old pickup, peering through the rear window, I watched as his hands carefully tended to his beehives. It was in those early, honey-filled days that my love for bees took root—a passion that has now blossomed into the Apiary Chronicles podcast. In our debut episode, we embark on a journey to uncover the heartwarming …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Beekeeping Practices Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen