In this episode we discuss BeeMD with Dr. Dewey Caron and Dr. Debbie Delaney. Then we hear from Chris Hiatt, the vice president of the American Honey Producers Association (AHPA) to discuss AHPA, some of their initiatives, including a hot topic in the commercial beekeeping industry: honey labeling guidelines. Q&A includes: is there a resistance to amitraz? What does it mean when beekeepers talk about mite resistance or varroa sensitivity? Where would someone find queens who are resistant to certain problems?

In this episode we discuss the five best and worst commercial beekeeping management practices with Dan Aruell and Matt Hoepfinger from the Bee Informed Partnership (BIP). Then we hear from Dr. Julia Bowsher, to learn about her research on the factors that determine whether a female larvae will become a worker or queen bee. Q&A includes: I have a hive with screen bottom boards. I coat the removable, plastic bottom boards with canola oil or vegetable oil to collect ‘all the good stuff’ that falls to the bottom: varroa, small hive beetle, etc. I’ve heard of others who use diatomaceous earth or small hive beetle traps instead. What are the pros and cons of diatomaceous earth versus oil? How does someone recognize the forage sources around them and are there resources for determining what kind of forage is around you? Are there quantitative measures?

In this episode we discuss the re-discovery of the blue calamintha bee with Dr. Chase Kimmel. Then we hear from Dr. Jay Evans, to learn about his book, ‘Found in Translation’. Q&A includes: how do you deal with bull ants?I just installed a package of bees into a new hive, the queen is in her cage with a sugar cork. The bees are on outside clustering on the nest entrance and cluster is getting bigger, what should I do? What qualifies someone as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced beekeeper?

In this episode we hear from Dr. Jay Evans, and learn about the role of USDA Bee Research Laboratories and what they do for beekeepers. This is followed by a discussion with Jennifer Holmes, the Florida State Beekeepers Association president, on state beekeeper associations. Q&A includes: after I work my bees, I smell like smoke the rest of the day, is there a trick to removing smoke? When you first receive a package, I’ve been told that I should seal the entrance for the first day or two, is this true? Several time within a few weeks I’ve seen small swarms head out over water and then return. When we captured the swarm, there was no queen, but the bees began to return to their hive. Have you seen this behavior before?

In this episode we discuss the role of Florida Farm Bureau Federation and their relationship with apiculture. In the second segment of this podcast episode, we speak with Caitlin Gill from the Florida Department of Agriculture, about mosquito control for beekeepers. Q&A includes: what are things that beekeepers can do to prevent mosquitos? What ratio do you recommend for sugar water, and why? I have a split that didn’t re-queen, I added a new frame of eggs, there is an empty queen cell, but there is no sign of her. It is poorly populated, is it a loss?

In this episode we are joined by Distinguished McKnight Professor, Dr. Marla Spivak, to learn about social immunity. Amy and Jamie have a discussion on swarms, and we wrap up with Q&A. Q&A includes: How soon should I put a honey super on a newly split ten frame hive? Can you tell us about treating for mites prophylactically? Are supers safe to reuse if they had European foulbrood in the past?

In this episode we are joined by UF/IFAS Extension Lake County Agent, Brooke Moffis, to learn about landscaping for bees. We wrap up this episode with a discussion on commonly asked question about specific beekeeping equipment such as woodenware and bottom boards. Q&A includes: why did beetles find my hive only hours after placing them? What are small cell foundations? What is the best way to move frames in a hive without crushing the queen?

In this episode we are joined by Chris Looney, Entomologist for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, who discusses the current situation surrounding the Asian giant hornet. Q&A includes: where does the Asian giant hornet occur? How do I know if the stinging insect I have found is an Asian giant hornet and what should I do? What kinds of trap/screens do you suggest beekeepers use to protect against predation?

In this episode we are joined by David Smalls, who discusses his experiences and knowledge of beekeeping in the Caribbean and how Varroa have affected the industry. We wrap up this episode with Dr. Cameron Jack, who’s segment focuses on the use of oxalic acid as a pest management tool. Q&A includes: Should you select and remove drones? Do drones take resources away from the larvae? Can you get different sizes of drone within your colony?

In this very special episode, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on beekeepers and how it connects with our food system. We are joined by Jason Mathis from Florida Farm Bureau, and Tony Hogg who is a beekeeper and the chair of the Apiary Advisory committee for the Florida Farm Bureau.