Beekeeper Organizations Episodes

In this episode of Beekeeping Today, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck and Robyn Underwood from the Apiculture Extension Educators of America (AEEA) to discuss the value and impact of extension education in beekeeping and agriculture. They explore how extension programs connect research-based information with local communities, support beginning and experienced beekeepers, and help strengthen relationships between universities, researchers, and the public. The conversation highlights the evolving role of Extension in today’s rapidly changing agricultural landscape and why trusted, science-based outreach remains essential for honey bee health and beekeeper success.

The Heartland Apicultural Society returns to Michigan State University May 30–31, 2026, bringing together beekeepers from across the region for two days of education, networking, and hands-on learning. In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck of Michigan State University and Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State University to preview the upcoming conference and explain why this event offers something valuable for everyone from beginning beekeepers to expe...

Swarm season moves fast, and knowing when—and how—to respond can make all the difference. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Mateo Kaiser about how Bee Swarmed is helping beekeepers connect with swarm opportunities in real time. Mateo explains how the platform streamlines swarm reporting, reduces confusion for the public, and increases the chances that swarms are safely collected and rehomed. The conversation also explores practical swarm management decisions, including when to split colonies and how to stay ahead of swarming pressure during rapid spring buildup. Looking ahead, Mateo shares how emerging data tools—like swarm timing predictions and trap placement insights—are giving beekeepers a new way to anticipate swarm behavior rather than simply react to it.

Recorded at the Midwest Honey Bee Expo, this episode features SimplKomb and BRB Feeder discussing comb honey production and innovative hive feeding solutions.

Jeff and Becky introduce a live business panel from the 2026 Midwest Honey Bee Expo. Experienced beekeepers discuss profitability, overwintering losses, labor, and the financial realities of running a sustainable beekeeping operation.

This week, we’re taking a close look at the future of beekeeping advocacy with BeeCAUSE Alliance, a new organization focused on industry collaboration, communication, and support. Our guest, Charlie Linder, shares how his years in commercial beekeeping, queen breeding, and honey production shaped his perspective on what beekeepers need most—and why building stronger relationships across the industry is becoming increasingly important. In this conversation, Charlie explains BeeCAUSE Alliance’s...

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott sits down with Jamie Walters, President of the Ohio State Beekeepers Association (OSBA), during the organization’s annual conference in Wooster, Ohio. Jamie shares how OSBA continues to thrive after the challenges of recent years, including the rebound of volunteerism and mentorship following COVID. Under his leadership, the 2025 conference brought together 37 vendors, 280 attendees, and an impressive lineup of speakers including Dr. Tracy Faro...

The Midwest Honey Bee Expo is back—and bigger than ever. Jeff and Becky talk with organizers Bill Werning and Doug Koltermann about what's in store for the 2026 event, held February 6–7 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Following a sold-out debut in 2025, this year's expo expands into a larger venue featuring everything under one roof—vendors, speakers, workshops, and a connected hotel for attendee comfort. Bill and Doug share how they turned a regional need for practical, h...

In this episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome back Kamon Reynolds, Tennessee beekeeper and founder of the North American Honeybee Expo (NAHBE). Kamon shares how he balances managing over 150 colonies with organizing one of the largest beekeeping events in North America. Kamon discusses the logistics of moving bees to Wisconsin for basswood honey flows, keeping mite loads low through early-season oxalic acid slow release treatments, and maintaining young queens to build resilient colon...

In this week’s episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back fourth-generation commercial beekeeper John Miller for a candid conversation about the challenges—and potential—facing the beekeeping industry today. With his decades of experience and generational insight, John doesn’t hold back on concerns about low honey prices, rising input costs, invasive pests like tropilaelaps, and the closure of critical research facilities like USDA’s Beltsville Bee Lab. John offers a front-line view of what it mean...

The UK National Honey Show is the world’s largest and most prestigious honey show, drawing beekeepers and entries from across the globe. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Bob Mauer, current chairman of the show, about its remarkable 102-year history, its roots at the Crystal Palace, and the traditions that have helped it grow into an international event. Bob shares how the show combines competitive honey judging with practical workshops, lectures from leading experts, and a vibrant tr...

Thanks to Jennifer Keller, opening this episode! Jennifer stopped at the Betterbee booth during EAS and left us that greeting! You too can record an opening for an upcoming episode! Simply record one on your phone and send it to us at the podcast!...