Beekeeping Today Podcast

Ang Roell of They Keep Bees joins Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman for another installment of the Beekeeping Today Podcast Queen Series. Ang shares the story behind building a migratory queen breeding operation and explains how years of working with Carniolan, Russian, and hygienic stock shaped the breeding philosophy behind their Massachusetts-based apiary.
The conversation explores the realities of raising queens professionally, including drone saturation, mating yards, queen cells, virgins, instrumental insemination, and the challenges of selecting for Varroa-sensitive hygienic behavior while maintaining strong overwintering performance in northern climates. Ang discusses how They Keep Bees evaluates breeder queens using hygienic testing, mite washes, and Harbo assays, while also participating in collaborative research projects examining the heritability of hygienic traits.
Jeff and Becky also discuss the growing interest in queen cells and virgin queens among smaller-scale beekeepers and why understanding these systems can improve overall beekeeping management. Ang explains practical approaches to walkaway splits, late-season nucleus production, and why there is no "silver bullet" queen when it comes to Varroa management.
Throughout the episode, Ang emphasizes the importance of curiosity, experimentation, collaboration between scientists and working beekeepers, and building locally adapted stock that thrives within regional nectar flows and winter conditions. It is an insightful conversation for beekeepers interested in genetics, queen production, sustainable stock selection, and the future of honey bee breeding.
Websites from the episode and others we recommend:
They Keep Bees: https://theykeepbees.com
SARE (Sustianable Agricultural Research and Education):  https://www.sare.org


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
 
 
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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.

APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive.

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com.

We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies.

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: [email protected]
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; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; 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

The Heartland Apicultural Society returns to Michigan State University May 30–31, 2026, bringing together beekeepers from across the region for two days of education, networking, and hands-on learning. In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck of Michigan State University and Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State University to preview the upcoming conference and explain why this event offers something valuable for everyone from beginning beekeepers to experienced sideliners.
This year's conference emphasizes practical learning. Ana explains that Michigan State University is setting up apiaries near the conference center so participants can attend in-hive workshops covering colony inspections, splits, varroa management, queen finding, and other management topics. Unlike many spring conferences held during colder months, the late-May timing allows attendees to work directly with live colonies.
The conference will also include laboratory workshops focused on honey bee anatomy, dissections, and microscopic diagnosis of bacterial brood diseases including American foulbrood and European foulbrood. Participants will have opportunities to work with microscopes and diagnostic techniques under the guidance of university researchers and instructors.
Featured keynote speakers include Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda, Dr. Jeff Harris, Dr. Reed Johnson, and Dr. Robyn Underwood. Robin discusses her presentations on drones and drone congregation areas, spotted lanternfly honeydew honey, and efficient apiary inspections.
Ana also outlines conference registration details, early registration pricing, and the limited-capacity laboratory sessions available for attendees who register early.
Whether you are a first-year beekeeper or a seasoned beekeeper looking to deepen your knowledge, the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference offers a strong mix of science, practical management, and community.
Registration and conference information can be found at:
Heartland Apicultural Society 2026 Registration
______________
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: [email protected]
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

Spring is a season of rapid change inside the hive, and in this Bee Science segment, Dr. Dewey Caron walks through what drives colony expansion—and how beekeepers can respond effectively.  
Dewey emphasizes that spring growth is fundamentally tied to pollen availability and favorable flying weather. Colonies in warmer climates may expand gradually, while northern colonies often experience a compressed and intense buildup. This variability makes local awareness and timing essential.
Nutrition plays a central role. Research going back to Heather Mattila's 2006 work shows that colonies receiving pollen or protein supplements begin brood rearing earlier and build stronger populations. More recent work reinforces that locally sourced pollen may improve effectiveness, and emerging commercial feeds are showing measurable gains in overwinter survival and pollination strength.
As colonies grow, so does the risk of swarming. Dewey underscores the importance of proactive management—providing adequate space, maintaining ventilation, and monitoring brood nest congestion. Once swarm preparation begins, options narrow quickly, making early intervention key.
The episode also introduces the "Goldilocks effect" in evaluating colony strength. Colonies that are too weak struggle to build, while overly strong colonies risk swarming. The goal is finding that "just right" balance through regular inspection, brood assessment, and strategic frame movement.
Health risks remain present during this expansion phase. Diseases like European foulbrood and chalkbrood, along with pesticide exposure and nutritional stress, can limit colony development. At the same time, brood expansion creates ideal conditions for varroa reproduction, reinforcing the need for integrated management.
Dewey's central message is clear: spring requires active, informed management—but not overmanagement. Listen to the bees, respond to conditions, and aim for balance between growth and control.
Links and references mentioned in this episode:
Caron, Dewey M. Bee MD Bee MD [https://idtools.org/thebeemd/index.cfm?pageID=3094]

Mattila, Hearther R. and Gard W Otis. 2006. Influence of pollen diet in spring on development of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. J. Econ Entomol. 99(3):604-13. doi: 10.1603/0022-0493-99.3.604

Kulhanek, Kelly, et. al.  2026. Enhanced Honey Bee Colony Strength and Economic Returns from Fall and Winter Feeding with a Complete Pollen-Replacing Feed. Insects 2026, 17(3), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030243

Basu, Priya. 2024 Honey bee Nutrition HBHC https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nutritionguide/

Tew, James. 2025. Giving it Your Best Guess. March. Bee Culture

DeGrandi-Hoffman G, Gage SL, Corby-Harris V, Carroll M, Chambers M, Graham H, Watkins DeJong E, Hidalgo G, Calle S, Azzouz-Olden F, Meador C, Snyder L, and  Ziolkowski N. 2018. Connecting the nutrient composition of seasonal pollens with changing nutritional needs of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies. J Insect Physiol.109:114-124. doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2018.07.002. Epub 2018 Jul 7.PMID: 29990468

Hoover SE, Ovinge LP, and Kearns JD.  2022. Consumption of Supplemental Spring Protein Feeds by Western Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies: Effects on Colony Growth and Pollination Potential. J. Econ Entomol.115(2):417-429. doi: 10.1093/jee/toac006.PMID: 35181788Free PMC article.

______________
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: [email protected]
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

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman continue their queen-focused spring series with longtime beekeeper, researcher, and educator Randy Oliver and commercial beekeeper Eric Oliver. The conversation explores the realities of large-scale selective breeding for Varroa-resistant honey bees and the development of the Golden West queen line.
Randy explains how his operation shifted toward breeding for mite resistance after discovering a colony in 2015 that consistently maintained zero Varroa counts without treatment. That colony became "Queen Zero," launching a years-long selective breeding effort focused on resistance, gentleness, and honey production. Eric discusses how the operation evolved from occasional mite sampling into full-operation mite washing programs involving thousands of colonies, streamlined systems, and detailed tracking methods.
The discussion covers the importance of drone saturation, isolated mating yards, and why successful breeding programs require cooperation among large groups of beekeepers. Randy and Eric explain their partnership with Olivarez Honey Bees to scale Golden West queen production while preserving genetic consistency through controlled mating environments.
Jeff and Becky also discuss how healthier bees change the overall beekeeping experience, from colony management and overwintering to reduced chemical inputs and calmer hive behavior. Randy shares his views on breeding for gentleness, avoiding "Frankenbee" genetics, and why maintaining a stable breeding population is essential for long-term progress against Varroa mites.
The episode also includes a listener question from Anne Bettencourt about how long beginning beekeepers should keep colonies open during inspections, leading to a thoughtful discussion on balancing learning opportunities with colony health and productivity.
Websites from the episode and others we recommend:
Scientific Beekeeping: https://scientificbeekeeping.com
Olivarez Honey Bees: https://www.ohbees.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 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.

APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive.

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com.

We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies.

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: [email protected]
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; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; 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

In this installment of Winning at Honey with Stephanie Slater, Stephanie returns with seasonal reflections from Wisconsin and a practical deep dive into one of the most overlooked—but critical—elements of honey show success: selecting the right jars.
As spring unfolds with unpredictable weather, Stephanie balances early-season beekeeping tasks like hiving nucs and making splits while also setting clear goals for the upcoming honey show season. Building on last year's success with dipped tapers and lessons learned from pollen entries, she emphasizes the importance of planning ahead—especially when aiming to enter new categories like comb honey.
This month's listener question from Dave focuses on jar selection, opening the door to a detailed discussion on show requirements. Stephanie explains why glass jars are essential, the importance of uniformity, and how different categories—extracted, creamed, and chunk honey—require specific jar styles. She highlights the differences between classic and Queenline jars and shares how even sponsorship incentives can influence her choices at major competitions like the American Honey Show.
Beyond style, Stephanie underscores the importance of jar quality and cleanliness. From inspecting for defects to avoiding lint contamination and removing lot numbers when possible, she walks through the meticulous preparation required to meet judging standards. Practical strategies—like sourcing jars through local suppliers or fellow beekeepers—offer accessible solutions for small-scale producers.
The episode also spotlights the upcoming Eastern Apiculture Society Honey Show in Kentucky, detailing its wide range of categories and unique traditions, along with additional educational events and honey judge training opportunities across the U.S.
Stephanie closes by encouraging listeners to set goals, refine their craft, and participate in the broader honey show community.
Websites mentioned:
Eastern Apiculture Society – https://easternapiculture.org
American Honey Show Training Council – https://honeyshowusa.com
Heartland Apicultural Society - https://www.heartlandbees.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: [email protected]
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