In this heartfelt and information-packed episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we begin with an important update on new research revealing that neonicotinoid pesticides are even more harmful to honeybees than previously understood. Every beekeeper needs this information.

From there, we head “Inside the Hive” to explore one of nature’s most fascinating transformations: how a queen bee and a worker bee start as identical eggs, and how just three days of royal jelly determines a worker bee's destiny. We also dive into the dramatic piping and dueling of emerging queen bees.

Then, in a special Valentine’s-inspired discussion, host Eric welcomes his niece Juniper Bennett—a first-year beekeeper in rural Montana—for a candid and joyful conversation about starting her own apiary. From picking up her bees in an Applebee’s parking lot to homeschooling her kids through hive-building, Juniper shares what it’s like to begin beekeeping with intuition, love, and zero prior experience.

This episode is about more than honey bees and beekeeping. It’s about stewardship, courage, family, and creating a sanctuary—both for pollinators and for ourselves.

VIDEO VERSION

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Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

Primal Bee: https://primalbee.com/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Juniper Bennett: https://www.onleorganics.com/

Beautiful Experiences From A First Year Montana Beekeeper... That Loves Honey Bees