Kick off 2025 with an insightful conversation featuring Dr. David Peck, Director of Research and Education at Betterbee, as he joins Jeff and Becky to discuss the year’s hottest trends and challenges in beekeeping. From cutting-edge varroa control methods to potential impacts of the invasive yellow-legged hornet, this episode is packed with valuable information for beekeepers of all levels.

David shares exciting updates on new mite control products, including VarroxSan and RNAi technology, and highlights the growing popularity of biotechnical strategies like brood breaks. The discussion also dives into the concerning presence of yellow-legged hornets in the southeastern U.S., exploring their potential impact on honey bee colonies and the industry’s efforts to contain them.

On a lighter note, discover how Betterbee’s innovative products, like the upgraded Hogg Halfcomb system, make comb honey production more accessible for beekeepers. Plus, hear about Dr. Peck’s passion for educating and empowering beekeepers through programs like the Eastern Apicultural Society’s Master Beekeeper certification.

Whether you’re gearing up for the new season or simply looking to stay ahead of emerging trends, this episode is a must-listen!

Listen Today!

Websites we recommend:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Beekeeping Hot Topics and Trends in 2025 (315)