In this thoughtful episode, Jim dives into the often-overlooked aspects of beekeeping that extend beyond the bees themselves. He reflects on the countless hours spent on tasks that, while essential, don't directly involve handling bees—like managing equipment, mowing grass, and maintaining bee yard cleanliness. This episode offers a holistic view of the beekeeper's world, emphasizing that the work of beekeeping involves much more than just keeping bees.

Listeners will find value in Jim's introspective discussion on the balance between beekeeping duties and the environmental management of the bee yard. He shares personal anecdotes and experiences about trying various methods to manage yard vegetation, from the use of mulches and herbicides to different mowing strategies, all aimed at creating an optimal environment for both the beekeeper and the bees. The episode challenges listeners to think about how they can efficiently handle the mundane yet crucial tasks that support their beekeeping endeavors.

This episode is not just for seasoned beekeepers but also for newcomers who might not yet appreciate the full scope of what beekeeping entails. It’s a candid look at the less glamorous but equally important side of beekeeping, providing practical insights and a dash of humor to lighten the load.

Listen today!

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In this episode, Jim introduces listeners to the world of beekeeping through the experiences of a new beekeeper, his grandson Will. As a high school junior with a budding interest in bees, Will's initial steps into beekeeping offer a fresh perspective and relatable insights for anyone curious about starting this fulfilling hobby.

Throughout the episode, Jim and Will discuss the thrills and challenges of the early days of beekeeping, from handling the first hive and managing initial fears to dealing with unexpected issues like ant invasions. Jim's mentorship provides Will—and the audience—with practical advice, emphasizing the importance of local beekeeping connections and the inevitability of bee stings in a beekeeper's life.

Listeners will find the episode particularly captivating as it not only explores the technical aspects of starting with nucs versus packages but also delves into the emotional journey of a young beekeeper embracing the complexities of this ancient craft. The conversation is filled with anecdotes and wisdom, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the realities of beekeeping.

This episode serves as a reminder that beekeeping is a journey filled with learning and adaptation, suitable for a wide range of enthusiasts, from those considering beekeeping to seasoned experts looking for a refresh on the basics.

Listen today!

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In this episode, Jim takes listeners on an auditory stroll through his bee yard during a recent vibrant spring day. As the bees buzz energetically around him, Jim shares his personal reflections and insights on the bustling life of the hive. With the backdrop of blooming fruit trees and a flurry of bee activity, he paints a vivid picture of a beekeeper's spring routine—from managing swarming colonies to the simple joy of observing bees at work.

Jim discusses the challenges and surprises of early spring beekeeping, such as dealing with unexpected swarms and the importance of maintaining the apiary landscape to ensure easy access and safety. He also delves into the fascinating behavior of bees during this busy season, exploring how robbers and scouts may simultaneously impact the dynamics of the hive. His narrative is sprinkled with practical tips for managing hives in spring, reflecting on the natural cycle of growth and renewal that defines this time of year.

Listeners will find solace and excitement in Jim's stories, which blend practical beekeeping advice with reflective moments that capture the essence of being a beekeeper in spring. This episode is a perfect mix of education and contemplation, suited for both seasoned beekeepers and those new to the craft.

Listen today!

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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.

Listen today!

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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.

Listen today!

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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.

Listen today!

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In this episode, Jim Tew takes listeners on an intricate journey into the life of a honey bee egg, uncovering its quiet but highly active existence. Despite the challenge of discussing such a microcosmic topic, Jim eloquently demystifies the complexities surrounding the initial stage of a bee's life cycle. From the difficulties beekeepers face in spotting these tiny, almost ethereal eggs, to the importance of eggs as indicators of a queen's presence and health, this episode provides a deep dive into why understanding the egg stage is crucial for successful beekeeping.

Jim shares his techniques for egg-spotting, emphasizes the significance of observing egg patterns for assessing queen performance, and explores the fascinating embryological journey an egg undergoes from fertilization to hatching. The discussion also touches upon the potential impacts of environmental factors on eggs, such as exposure to sunlight during inspections and the innovative use of modern tools to aid in egg detection.

Listeners will gain insight into the queen's relentless egg-laying routine, which, while lacking glamour, underscores her crucial role in the hive's survival and productivity. With Jim's guidance, beekeepers are encouraged to view the honey bee egg not just as a simple beginning but as a marvel of biological engineering, essential for the continuation of the hive.

Join us on this episode of Honey Bee Obscura for an enlightening exploration of the honey bee egg, a topic as foundational as it is fascinating, revealing the unseen efforts that sustain the life of the hive.

Listen today!

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In this intriguing episode, Jim Tew and Anne Frey delve into the unexpected and often perplexing world of queen bee behavior and physiology that diverges from the norm. This episode explores the rare but fascinating occurrences that beekeepers might encounter with their queens, ranging from fainting queens during marking to queens with anatomical abnormalities. The hosts share their personal experiences and the lessons learned from handling queens that don't always follow the script, highlighting the importance of patience and observation in these situations.

Listeners will be captivated by stories of queens that momentarily 'faint' when handled for marking, a phenomenon that both hosts have witnessed firsthand. The discussion also covers how physical abnormalities, such as missing parts of a leg, can appear in queens yet not always affect their performance in laying eggs and leading the hive. Through these anecdotes, the episode underscores the unpredictable nature of beekeeping and the necessity for beekeepers to adapt to the unique challenges each hive can present.

Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, "Queen Anomalies" offers a deep dive into the less-discussed aspects of queen bee management. This episode encourages beekeepers to remain curious, adaptable, and compassionate towards their hives, even when faced with the most peculiar queen behavior and conditions.

Listen today!

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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