Beekeeping Buddies

I know, two episodes in two weeks? Well, episode 40 is here, and this one is big. We sat down with Dr. Jeff Pettis, former President of Apimondia and one of the world's leading honey bee researchers, for an in-depth conversation about the Tropilaelaps mite—the parasitic threat looming over global beekeeping. In this episode: • What Tropilaelaps mites are and how they differ from Varroa • Why they spread so rapidly and how countries currently battling them (like South Korea) are coping • What would happen if Tropilaelaps arrived in the United States—the realistic short- and long-term impacts • Early detection, containment strategies, and the U.S. preparedness gap • What beekeepers can do right now to stay informed and ready This is one of our most important interviews to date, offering clear-eyed insight from a scientist who has studied global bee health for decades. Tune in, learn what's coming, and help shape the conversation about protecting honey bees in North America.   Apimondia Tropilaelaps Mite Talk: https://www.apimondia.org/mites-webinar.html North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

This week we dig into some of the most important tasks heading into the colder months. We cover practical fall preparation, what to expect with late-season cutouts, and how to price and install an observation hive for schools, businesses, and homeowners. Whether you're tightening up your hives for winter or planning new educational opportunities for next year, this episode offers clear, experience-based guidance you can put to work right away. Listen now and stay ahead of the season.   North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

It's the Beekeeping Buddies Halloween Special! Luke and Steve dive into the spookier side of beekeeping from bees starting WW3, to the mornful swarm, frakenbees and more! We'll talk about our fall preparations and some interesting chunk comb we were able to sample, and answer some Honeybee Hotline questions. We hope you'll tune in as our buddy this episode!   North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

We have broken 4,000 listens and want to thank everyone for taking some time to listen to us talk about our passion, honey bees. For this episode we take a break from the normal format of the show to interview a Beekeeping Buddy of our own, Randy McCaffrey better known as the 628 Dirt Rooster! We talk about beekeeping, how different areas do things, and learn the important lesson of how hobby beekeeping is a way... of... life! We hope you all enjoy this special episode and thanks again for being a buddy! 628 Dirt Rooster Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@628DirtRooster North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Dry Midwest Fall: Fall is here, the hot and dry have not gone away. Details on Fall Feeding: Recipe for Luke's fall feed is: 4.5 lbs sugar, 0.5 lbs pollen sub, 7 oz water mixed together with a mixer of some sort and put into ziplock baggie. How to Know if to Feed: Steve and Luke talk about how we measure hives to know if they need feed. Start Thinking of Nucs: Luke and Steve suggest you start thinking about nucs for 2026. In the News Vandescona Mite Treatment: dsRNA treatment for mites?! Honeybee Hotline: Stick Up Your Hands!: How to manage robbing. Again?: How long to wait until I place a hive where one had been robbed? What to do with a small hive: 3 frame hive, can it make it through winter? Droning On: Fall Festivals: Luke talks about fall festivals, and what we make Cutouts: Steve and Luke talk about troubles with cutouts!   Tune in to Episode 36 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Dry Midwest Fall: Fall is mostly here, but is sure is dry. Details on Another Cutout: Luke and Steve have another fall cutout. Luke Returns From Spain: Luke goes to Spain... and finds few pollinators? Steve and Luke Review Spainish Honey: We review some honey from Spain I brought back. In the News Varroa Mites make it to S. Australia: Varroa mites are now spreading to S. Australia. HMF Correction: Luke has a short correction to HMF. Honeybee Hotline: Bee Identification: Variation inside a honeybee hive. Comb Color: Why is there different comb colors? What to do with a small hive: 3 frame hive, can it make it through winter? Droning On: What are we doing in the next few weeks? What to do with honey frames?   Tune in to Episode 35 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Cooler Weather: Fall has started peeking around the corner. What do we do? Honey Harvest for Summer: Luke and Steve take the last of our summer honey. Open Feeding: Is it the time for open feeding yet? Illinois USDA: Luke and Steve are working with the USDA... providing small hive beetles. In the News Newly Engineered Yeast Makes Better Pollen: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09431-y Honeybee Disease Impacts Flight: It appers that different diseases impact how far our honeybees will fly. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-hidden-honey-bee-viruses-flight.html Honeybee Hotline: Can You Feed Maple Syrup: We talk about if this is a problem! Taking Honey Leaving Deep and Medium: What does it take to overwinter in a deep and a medium? Are there other issues? Droning On: What are we doing in the next few weeks? Luke's New Trip: Luke goes overseas to check out an overseas apiary!   Tune in to Episode 34 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Pulling Honey: Luke and Steve talk about the struggles of staying cool in the bee yard. Fall Prep: Is it already time to feed our bees for winter? What treatments do we use? In the News Big News From Luke Honeybee Hotline: How Long Does a Field Bee Spend Away: We talk mabout when to treat, what we are treating with, and how useful are the new OA boards? Queen Introduction Problem: Our tips and tricks on introducing a new queen. Laying Worker vs New Queen: How do you tell the difference between a laying worker and a newly mated queen? Doomed to Always Have Hive Beetles?: If you have hive beetles once are they always at that hive?   Tune in to Episode 33 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Staying Cool: Luke and Steve talk about the struggles of staying cool in the bee yard. Time to Feed?: Is it already time to feed our bees for winter? Honeybee Hotline: Hive Treatments: We talk mabout when to treat, what we are treating with, and how useful are the new OA boards? Queen Introduction: Our tips and tricks on introducing a new queen. Droning On: Extracting Honey: Luke and Steve are busy getting ready to extract honey. Problems Running a Beekeeping Business: Luke shares some of his struggles running a beekeeping business. Tune in to Episode 32 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Virgin Queen Raising: Luke and Steve talk about raising some virgin VSH Queens. Purdue Queen Rearing: Luke takes the Purdue queen rearing course. Going Through Hives: Luke and Steve talk about how we go through hives. In the News: Hive Cutout: Luke and Steve talk about their first cutout 11 years ago! Droning On: Extracting Honey: Luke and Steve are busy getting ready to extract honey. Master Beekeeper Course: Luke talks more about the master beekeeper course. Flow Hives: Luke and Steve talk about our flow hives. Tune in to Episode 31 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Harvesting Honey:Luke and Steve have harvested honey. Grafting: Luke continues to graft! Queens Obtained: Queens purchased from Kobe Apiary for the Dalan Animal Vaccine Adding Supers: Continues to add supers to hives. Inspector Visits: Our local inspector came to visit Luke! In the News: Field Day: What is a club field day and should your local club have one? Droning On: Purdue Queen Grafting: Luke is headed to Purdue to check out some queen grafting. Hive Cutouts: Luke and Steve have some more cutouts coming up. Beekeeping Insurance: Luke is finally insured (again) for the cutouts. Tune in to Episode 30 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Around the Yard: Expanding Products: Riverview Road Apiary adds some employees and new products! Pollen Tasting: Luke and Steve try some locally collected pollen and let you know how it is. How to Harvest  and Prepare Pollen: Luke and Steve talk about pollen collection and preparation. Nectar Flow: Nectar is coming in so fast it's difficult to keep up. Swarm Captures: Ideas for catching swarms and how we go about it this busy season. In the News: USDA Concludes Cause of Dieoffs in 2024/2025: Luke and Steve review study on what happened to the US bees this last winter and why the dieoffs were so high. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706v1.full Honeybee Hotline: Discord Server Live: https://discord.gg/SzCUt7yZ come talk to Steve and Luke and make some beekeeping buddies! Rewaxing Frames: What we use to rewax our frames. Queenless Colonies: Do you add brood from another hive when I add a queen? How Many Queen Cells: How many grafted queen cells do you add to a hive? Honeybound: How to deal with honeybound hives. How to Move Bees Into Drawn Supers: How we get bees to move into drawn supers. How to Fix a Drone Laying Queen Coming Out of Winter How to Requeen a Large, Mean, Hive Where is the Colony Cliff? Droning On: Honey, Treating, and Spring Splits: Luke and Steve talk about what we are doing. Tune in to Episode 29 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Welcome to Episode 28 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. Around the Yard: Purchasing Hives: Steve buys some hives from a local beekeeper who is chasing her dreams! Queen Hatching Experience: Steve finds a unique experience working the club beehives, and some lessons learned. Oops: Luke makes a mistake with one of his hives! Nectar Flow: Nectar is coming in so fast it's difficult to keep up. Swarm Captures: Ideas for catching swarms and how we go about it this busy season. In the News: Bumblebees Have a Flower Preference: Study shows bumblebee pressure with pollination is causing some flowers shift from red to yellow. Honeybee Hotline: Discord Server Live: https://discord.gg/SzCUt7yZ come talk to Steve and Luke and make some beekeeping buddies! City Ordinances: Ever wanted to change your city ordinances? Luke and Steve talk about how we did it! Droning On: Queen Rearing Course: Luke and Steve work on their queen rearing course. Moving Bees To Clover: Trying out moving queens to clover. Oxylic Acid Pads: Luke makes and is trying out OA pads for his hives. Bonus Content: Riverivew Road Apiary Needs a Truck?   Tune in to Episode 28 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

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 some bees. Steve's Purchasing Adventures: What is involved when buying someone's hives? In the News: Honeybee Losses: Will beekeeping have to change with the times? Droning On: Hive Checks: What we are seeing in our hives. Queen Grafting: Queen grafting classes.   Tune in to Episode 27 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf  

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 mainstream! Droning On: Hive Checks: What we are seeing in our hives. Queen Grafting: Queen grafting classes.   Tune in to Episode 26 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf  

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 process of getting 50 nucs of bees? In the News: Tariffs: How will the tariffs impact beekeepers? Pollination Services: Do farmers understand pollination requirements? North American Honeybee Expo: Luke shares some details about the Expo Honeybee Hotline: Electrical Flower Discharge: Bees can see electrical charges?  Survival Rates and Treating with Oxalic Acid: Should we be changing the way we treat or bees? Droning On: Sneaking in Hive Checks: Find some nice warm weather to check your hives. Classes and Nuc Pickup: We talk about nuc pickup and classes. Tune in to Episode 25 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf    

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 girls able to get out and about? Do We Reverse Hives: Steve and Luke talk about if we do reversals? In the News: Grafting Queens: We review an meeting we went about grafting queens. Queen Grafting Course: Luke and Steve will be running a queen building course. Feral Bees: How did the US bees do this winter? The news is not great. Honeybee Hotline: Selling Wax: What do you sell wax for? When Can I Graft: Luke and Steve discuss when to graft. Droning On: Nuc Delivery Clover Nectar Grab Tune in to Episode 24 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/ Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

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): Reviewing the article in this month ABJ. North American Bee Survey: How did the US bees do this winter? The news is not great. Honeybee Hotline: German Dark Forest, Arizona Mesquite Desert Wildflower, and French Lavender Honey: Our thoughts on some different honey types we were able to try. Tune in to Episode 23 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8 Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

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 visted some Apis Melapona bees! HOIBA Meeting Speaker: Joe Curless is a farmer who is working with clover as a cover crop for his farmland that keeps weeds down, lowers erosion, and improving pollinator habitat. In the News: Dalan Animal Health: We get to talk to Everett Hendrixon from Dalan Animal Health about their AFB vaccine! Honeybee Hotline: Wanting to Exit: How do you exit from beekeeping and what to do with your equipment and bees. Expanding Your Apiary: Our opinions on how to expand your apiary. Tune in to Episode 22 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.   Riverivew Road Apiary: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/ Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Helath: https://dalan.com/ Contact Information Phone Number: 941-549-4971 Email: ehendrixon@dalananimalhealth.com American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/ Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/ Ian Steppler Vaccination Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz_DBItMu3w Winter Losses 2024-2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGxjbZPQExQ  

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.premierbeeproducts.com/shop/hives?gad_source=1 Apimaybe Bottom Board: https://apimaye-usa.com/collections/apimaye-for-wooden-hives/products/bottom-board-for-wooden-beehives Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/ Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5 Cory Stevens: https://www.stevensbeeco.com/ Dr. Jamie Ellis Podcast: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/podcast/ Bob Binnie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bobbinnie9872 North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/ Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/