From a Varroa-free outpost off Australia’s southern coast, beekeeper Shawn Hinves of Kangaroo Island shares how a family operation running 350 hives of pure Ligurian honey bees navigates biosecurity, fire recovery, and the realities of modern beekeeping.

The episode opens with practical fall prep—feed heavy in cold climates, consider insulation, and always test and treat for mites—before diving into global news on the EPA’s approval of an RNA-based Varroa treatment.

Then we travel to Kangaroo Island, where strict ferry inspections, proposed wash-down stations, and community vigilance aim to keep Varroa off the island, reminding every beekeepers that compliance is as vital as any tool in beekeeping.

Shawn recounts how Ligurian honey bees, introduced in the 1880s and protected by a long-standing sanctuary designation, show exceptional hygienic behavior and thrive on native eucalypt and coastal flora that produce ambers, deep reds, and even mauve-tinged honeys.

After catastrophic 2020 bushfires slashed honey yields from 20–25 tonnes to 5–9, his business survived by diversifying into tours —proof that resilient beekeeping pairs craft with entrepreneurship. Listeners step inside his hands-on experiences: suiting up, holding frames, spotting queens, and watching honey bees emerge—moments that turn fear into fascination and often inspire future beekeepers.

Between small hive beetle scares, localized AFB management, and ongoing drought, Sean’s story shows how a beekeeper balances biosecurity, landscape, and community. Ultimately, it’s a love letter to honey bees, a testament to the lifestyle they enable, and a reminder that beyond honey and money, the heart of beekeeping is connection.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/2sfG2QBzXQI

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