In this enlightening episode, Jim takes listeners on a historical journey through the evolution of beekeeping hives. Delving into the storied past of traditional box hives, Jim reflects on a unique box hive he acquired, which was originally built in 1853—the same year L.L. Langstroth revolutionized beekeeping with his patented removable frame hive.

This episode not only explores the construction and historical significance of traditional box hives but also juxtaposes them with the transformative hanging frame designs that followed. Jim discusses how these simple, yet effective hives played a crucial role in the beekeeping landscape of the past and ponders why such methods were gradually phased out despite their effectiveness. Rich with anecdotes and a deep appreciation for beekeeping heritage, this episode is a must-listen for those interested in the roots and evolutionary paths of their craft.

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In this episode, Jim explores the practical aspects of dealing with "less-than-pristine" honey, an inevitable challenge for many beekeepers. Throughout the discussion, Jim shares personal anecdotes and insights from his extensive experience, providing a nuanced look at what beekeepers can do with honey that doesn't meet the highest quality standards. Whether it's honey from wax melters, overwintered hives, or colonies affected by varroa, Jim explores the various destinies of these batches. He discusses innovative yet practical solutions like using secondary equipment for processing or repurposing the honey for non-consumable uses.

This episode is packed with expert advice, grounded in the reality of beekeeping, offering valuable tips on managing one of the more complex aspects of honey production.

Join us as we navigate the less glamorous, yet incredibly important topic of managing leftover honey, ensuring nothing goes to waste in the beekeeping world.

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In this episode, hosts Jim Tew and guest Anne Frey, delve into the intriguing and sometimes baffling phenomenon of beekeepers being unable to locate their hive's queen. Whether you're an experienced beekeeper or just starting, losing sight of your queen can stir a mix of mystery and panic. But as Jim and Anne discuss, this situation is more common than one might think and is part of the beekeeping journey. Through their engaging conversation, they offer insights and anecdotes on the various reasons queens may become elusive and share practical advice on how to cope with and potentially resolve such situations.

Listeners will appreciate the hosts' exploration of the queen's perspective during hive inspections and the impact of environmental changes on her behavior. From the hive's disruption by light and smoke to the queen's instinctual response to protect herself, Jim and Anne cover the gamut of reasons behind a lost queen. They also provide valuable tips on searching for her, emphasizing patience, understanding the hive's dynamics, and the importance of not disrupting the colony further.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the complex behaviors of honeybees and the art of beekeeping. It reassures beekeepers that losing sight of the queen is a part of the natural order and, with the right approach, can be an opportunity for learning and growth in their beekeeping practice.

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