Beekeeping Buddies

Your Beekeeping Buddies got a little busy, but not to worry... we are back to cover our summer honey harvest, requeening issues, OA mite treatments, Norra, answer some Honeybee Hotline, and what is coming up in our Droning On segment.
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY
Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/
How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ
The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/
Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8
Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq
Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc
Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/
Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5
Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/
Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Summer is in full swing, and there is plenty happening in the bee yard. In Episode 49, Steven and Luke discuss how recent rain has affected nectar flows, the role Dutch clover plays in honey production, and what beekeepers should be watching for as honey supers start filling up.
The conversation also covers current honey extraction plans, observations from local apiaries, and Luke's recent presentation at the Illinois State Beekeepers Association summer conference. Along the way, they dive into recent research surrounding Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), what scientists are learning, and why understanding bee health research matters for beekeepers of every size.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on beeswax, including why not all wax is created equal and what differences beekeepers may notice when processing wax from different sources.
Whether you're harvesting honey, raising queens, or simply enjoying a good nectar flow, this episode has something for every beekeeper.
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY
Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/
How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ
The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/
Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8
Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq
Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc
Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/
Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5
Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/
Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

When does a hobby become a business? In this episode, Steve and Luke discuss the transition from hobbyist beekeeper to sideliner, including the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts that come with managing more colonies and serving customers. They share practical thoughts on growth, avoiding common mistakes, and determining whether expansion is right for your operation.
The conversation also explores the importance of building a strong beekeeping network. From local clubs and mentors to industry contacts and research partners, the relationships you develop can open doors, solve problems, and create opportunities that would be difficult to achieve alone.
Finally, the hosts review emerging research investigating compounds found in honey bee venom and their potential role in cancer treatment. While much of the work remains in the research stage, the discussion highlights some of the promising findings and what they may mean for the future of medicine.
Whether you're managing your first hive or considering your next fifty, this episode offers insights on growth, community, and the surprising ways honey bees continue to impact our world.
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY
Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/
How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ
The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/
Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8
Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq
Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc
Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/
Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5
Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/
Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Episode 47 of Beekeeping Buddies has us still busier than we have been in years! Early spring translated to early swarms, early honey crops, and earlier cutouts, and earlier stings! Come listen to what we are doing this time of year. 
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY
Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/
How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ
The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/
Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8
Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq
Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc
Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/
Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5
Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/
Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Episode 46 of Beekeeping Buddies has us busier than we have been in years! Early spring means early swarms, early honey crops, and earlier cutouts! Come listen to what we are doing this time of year. New thumbs up thumbs down section of beekeeping buddies as well!
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jk6hyZAY
Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/
How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ
The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/
Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8
Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq
Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc
Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/
Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5
Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/
Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf