Beekeeping Today Podcast

The North American Honey Bee Expo is expanding for 2027, and organizer Kamon Reynolds joins Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman to share what attendees, educators, and prospective speakers can expect at next year's event.
Kamon discusses the Expo's continued growth, plans for additional presentation rooms, expanded educational tracks, and a formal call for speaker submissions. The goal is to broaden the range of topics available to attendees by introducing new subject areas, specialized beekeeping interests, emerging research, honey production techniques, fermentation with honey, honey shows, and other educational opportunities that may not fit traditional conference programming.
The conversation also highlights the new Beginning Beekeeping Short Course being developed in partnership with Beekeeping Today. Designed specifically for newer beekeepers, the course will provide foundational instruction while helping participants take advantage of the broader educational opportunities available throughout the Expo.
Kamon explains what he looks for when selecting speakers, emphasizing practical value, educational quality, and effective presentation skills. He encourages researchers, commercial beekeepers, sideliners, specialty hive practitioners, honey judges, and innovative beekeepers of all experience levels to submit proposals.
Additional discussion covers attendance growth, hotel accommodations, expanded Thursday programming, international outreach, support for Australian beekeepers dealing with Varroa, and the importance of building community through large-scale beekeeping events.
Whether you're interested in presenting, attending, networking, or expanding your beekeeping knowledge, this episode provides an early look at what's planned for the 2027 North American Honey Bee Expo.
Registration and conference information can be found at:
North American Honey Bee Expo
Speaker Series Application
Aussie Outreach
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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: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com
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 sixth installment of Bee Science with Dr. Dewey Caron, Dewey turns attention to one of the final major management tasks of the summer beekeeping season: removing honey supers and preparing honey for extraction and storage.
Building on the previous discussion about timely supering, Dewey explains why proper honey super removal is every bit as important as adding supers at the right time. He emphasizes that beekeepers should only remove honey when they are fully prepared to process it, reminding listeners that bees know how to protect their honey stores far better than we do. Delays between harvest and extraction can lead to quality issues, robbing, fermentation concerns, and unnecessary management complications.
Dewey reviews the concepts of over-supering and under-supering, discusses colony space management as nectar flows begin to decline, and explains the importance of monitoring whether bees have fully occupied newly added supers. He also addresses the role of queen excluders, baiting supers, and ensuring colonies are actively using available storage space.
The episode provides a detailed overview of the primary methods used to remove bees from honey supers, including bee escape boards, fume boards, bee blowers, and the traditional bounce-and-brush technique. Dewey explains the advantages and limitations of each approach and discusses situations where one method may be preferred over another.
Additional topics include handling brood discovered in supers, preventing robbing behavior during harvest, managing partially capped honey, using refractometers to measure moisture content, and understanding the risks of storing unprocessed honey supers. Dewey concludes with practical recommendations to help beekeepers protect honey quality while preparing colonies for the transition toward fall management.
Links and references mentioned in this episode
Best Ways to Get Bees Out of Your Supers:  https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/how-to-get-bees-out-of-honey-supers.asp
Three Useful Videos
BobBinnie:  How We Remove Bees From Honey Supers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ldD3cNGung
Kamon Reynolds: Removing bees from Honey supers FAST:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipfvW-2t_HA
David Burns: How To Remove Supers Without Crowding Your Bees.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9NzCcIg0c
Two Useful, Timely Articles
Charlotte (Carolina Bees). How to Store Honey Supers With Drawn Comb: https://carolinahoneybees.com/storing-honey-supers/
Richard Wahl Off the Wahl beekeeping. Bee Culture  September 2025, Harvesting Honey: https://beeculture.com/off-the-wahl-beekeeping-44/
Betterbee on Robbing: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/identifying-preventing-hive-robbing.asp?srsltid=AfmBOor-Bzp5yPXnEZXuHxkGypc5tUQaXRECY6ZFwlEiKITNlR8GKMNJ  
Robbing Behavior in Honey Bees: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1064
______________
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: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com
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

Moving package bees across North America is a specialized business that most beekeepers never see firsthand. In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Chris Hansen of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, a longtime beekeeper, bee supplier, and professional package bee hauler, to discuss the unique challenges of transporting thousands of honey bees safely across the country.
Chris shares how his beekeeping journey began nearly thirty years ago and how a small sideline operation gradually expanded into bee sales, a beekeeping supply business, and eventually a dedicated package bee transportation company. What started as a necessity to move his own bees evolved into a specialized service trusted by beekeepers throughout the United States.
The conversation explores the science and logistics of package bee transportation, including airflow management, temperature control, loading and unloading procedures, route planning, driver coordination, and the importance of minimizing stress on the bees during transit. Chris explains how years of experience and trial-and-error led to the development of specialized trailers designed specifically to move large numbers of package bees safely over long distances.
Chris also discusses the realities of operating a trucking business, including fuel costs, regulatory requirements, equipment investments, driver recruitment, and the responsibility that comes with transporting living livestock. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from early failures and the continual refinements that have improved bee survival and package quality.
Before the interview, Jeff and Becky discuss honey super timing, spring nectar flows, colony growth, swarm prevention, and answer a listener question about common misconceptions among third-year beekeepers.
Whether you manage two colonies or two thousand, this episode provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of the least-discussed but most essential parts of modern beekeeping.
Websites from the episode and others we recommend:
Hansen's Honey Farm website: https://hansenhoneyfarm.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: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com
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

Jennie Durant, PhD, joins Beekeeping Today to discuss her new book, Bitter Honey: Big Ag's Threat to the Bees and the Fight to Save Them. Drawing from more than fifteen years of research, interviews, and fieldwork, Jennie explores the complex relationship between commercial beekeeping and modern agriculture. She shares how her interest in honey bees began during her graduate studies in the Philippines and eventually led to a PhD focused on the challenges facing managed pollinators in large-scale agricultural systems.
Jennie discusses the evolution of commercial beekeeping in response to the growing demand for almond pollination and how intensified management practices—including supplemental feeding, migratory pollination, and aggressive mite control—have become necessary to maintain colony health and profitability. She explains how habitat loss, monoculture agriculture, pesticide exposure, climate change, and economic pressures have created a difficult environment for both beekeepers and bees.
The conversation also explores the often-contentious discussions surrounding honey bees and native pollinators. Jennie emphasizes that habitat loss is the underlying issue affecting all pollinators and advocates for expanding forage resources rather than framing the discussion as a competition between species. Becky and Jeff discuss the importance of habitat restoration, pollinator-friendly land management, and the role beekeepers can play in supporting broader conservation efforts.
Jennie highlights organizations such as the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund and discusses practical actions individuals can take to improve forage availability for pollinators. She also shares stories gathered while researching the book, including the challenges commercial beekeepers have faced in obtaining effective mite treatments over the years.
Throughout the discussion, Jennie provides a thoughtful and balanced perspective on the realities facing modern beekeeping while offering hope through examples of innovative habitat projects, conservation programs, and collaborative efforts aimed at improving conditions for managed and native bees alike.
Websites from the episode and others we recommend:
Bitter Honey: Big Ag's Threat to the Bees and the Fight to Save Them on Amazon


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: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com
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 edition of Winning Honey with Stephanie, Stephanie Slater checks in on her own honey show preparations and admits that her comb honey supers still aren't ready despite last month's plans. A strong nectar flow in southeastern Wisconsin has kept her busy in the bee yard, including hosting a retail partner for an apiary visit that showcased queen cells, egg-laying activity, pollen collection, and royal jelly production.
Stephanie looks ahead to the major honey competitions coming in January, including the North American Honey and Beeswax Championship, the American Honey Show, and the Midwest Honey Bee Expo Honey Show. She also discusses the recent transition of the American Honey Show Training Council to the newly named American Honey Judges Association (AHJA), including new membership opportunities, governance changes, and the launch of a new website.
The episode also highlights an engaging activity from the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association Summer Meeting: the Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest. Stephanie explains how the contest works, why it encourages participation from both competitive and non-competitive beekeepers, and how it showcases the remarkable diversity of honey flavors produced within a single state.
The main educational focus of this month's segment is a reminder that one of the most important skills for honey show success is carefully reading the rules. Stephanie shares lessons learned from her own exhibiting experiences, explains the details exhibitors should review before preparing entries, and offers practical advice to avoid common mistakes that can result in lost points or disqualification.
The episode concludes with a spotlight on the North Carolina Bee Jubilee Honey Show and encouragement for exhibitors to continue learning, competing, and sharing their experiences within the honey judging community.
Websites mentioned:
American Honey Judges Association – https://honeyshowusa.com
North Carolina Bee Jubilee & Honey Show - https://www.eventeny.com/events/bee-jubilee-2026-25337/
______________
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: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com
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