Beekeeping Today Podcast

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
 
 
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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

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

In this continuation of the Queen Series, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Juliana Rangel of Texas A&M University for an in-depth discussion on honey bee queen biology, mating behavior, and the often-overlooked role of drones in colony success.
Juliana shares her journey into honey bee research, beginning with stingless bees in Brazil and leading to her current work on queen reproductive biology. The conversation explores the complexity of queen mating, from orientation flights to drone congregation areas, and the many variables that influence successful mating—especially weather, timing, and environmental conditions.
A key takeaway is how much remains unknown. Despite decades of research, fundamental questions—such as where queens consistently mate and how mating locations are determined—are still being revisited with new technologies like RFID tracking.
The discussion highlights the importance of drone quality and diversity, emphasizing that drones contribute half the genetics of a colony. Poor drone health or limited mating opportunities can directly impact queen longevity and colony productivity. Juliana also explains how pesticide exposure and contaminated wax can disrupt normal mating patterns, sometimes leading to excessive mating or reduced sperm viability.
Queen development is another critical factor. Queens raised from older larvae may appear functional but result in significantly reduced colony performance. Proper grafting practices remain essential, especially for small-scale queen producers.
The episode closes with practical advice for beekeepers: observe queen retinue behavior, maintain good records, and reconsider the value of drones within colonies. Juliana also shares updates on her current research in Colombia and a new international project investigating queen mating dynamics and environmental stressors.
This conversation reinforces a central theme: queen quality is multifactorial, and improving it requires attention to genetics, nutrition, environment, and management practices.
For additional information where honey bees mate, listen to our conversation with Dr. Gard Otis in episode 378.
Websites from the episode and others we recommend:
Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab: https://honeybeelab.tamu.edu


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 Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman sit down with Dr. Sammy Ramsey to explore his role in the National Geographic docuseries Secrets of the Bees. What began as a science communication opportunity quickly evolved into a multi-year collaboration blending research, storytelling, and cinematic production.
Sammy shares how he contributed as a producer, helping shape the scientific direction of the series while ensuring that even experienced beekeepers would discover something new. The goal wasn't just education—it was surprise. Even seasoned listeners may find themselves rethinking what they know about honey bees.
The conversation dives into the creative process behind the series, including collaboration with renowned filmmaker James Cameron and a team of world-class cinematographers. Sammy also reveals his unexpected contribution to the soundtrack, adding subtle vocal elements that enhance the emotional tone of key scenes.
A standout moment discussed is the dramatic depiction of Varroa mites interacting with resistant honey bee colonies—highlighting cutting-edge breeding work from the USDA. These scenes underscore both the challenges bees face and the progress being made through research.
The series, available on Disney+ and Hulu, has quickly risen to become a top-performing show, reflecting growing public interest in pollinators and their ecosystems.
Beyond the visuals, Sammy emphasizes a deeper goal: fostering interspecies empathy. By presenting the world from the perspective of the bee, the series invites viewers to connect emotionally with these essential insects in a way few productions have achieved.
If you're looking for a fresh perspective on honey bees—whether you're a beginner or a seasoned beekeeper—this series delivers.
Secrets of the Bees Website: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/show/99802a2f-9b71-40fe-b3e0-39042897fa26
______________
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, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman launch a new series focused on honey bee queens with leading researcher Dr. David Tarpy. From the start, the conversation challenges a common oversimplification: the queen is not just an "egg-laying machine," but part of a dynamic, cooperative system shaped by both biology and worker perception.
Tarpy explains that queen quality extends beyond visible traits like brood pattern. Instead, it includes physical characteristics such as body size, mating success, and sperm viability—factors that set the upper limit, or "ceiling," of colony performance. However, he emphasizes that brood pattern is often a colony-level trait, influenced as much by workers, environment, and disease pressure as by the queen herself.
A key insight from the discussion is that colonies do not evaluate queens based solely on pheromones produced by the queen. Brood pheromones and, importantly, the workers' ability to perceive those signals play a major role in whether a queen is accepted or replaced. This helps explain why strong queens are sometimes superseded while weaker ones persist.
The conversation also explores the impact of queen handling and shipping. Temperature stress—both overheating and chilling—can reduce sperm viability without visibly harming the queen, leading to premature failure later in the season. For beekeepers, this underscores the importance of careful handling between receipt and installation.
Tarpy shares insights from his long-running queen health clinic, where most "problem queens" sent in for analysis turn out to be biologically sound. In many cases, environmental factors such as pesticide exposure or colony stress are the underlying issue.
This episode sets the stage for the series by reframing how beekeepers think about queens—not as isolated individuals, but as part of a complex, responsive colony system.
Websites from the episode and others we recommend:
North Carolina State Apiculture Program: https://www.ncsuapiculture.net
North Carolina State Queen & Disease Clinic: https://pollinators.ces.ncsu.edu/apiculture/queen-disease-clinic/
 
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