In this episode, we reconnect with Chris Hyatt, past president of the American Honey Producers Association and a lifelong commercial beekeeper managing 18,000 colonies across North Dakota, California, and Washington. Chris returns to give an unfiltered look at the state of commercial beekeeping after one of the most challenging years on record.

The conversation opens with a reflection on devastating winter losses, where even the most experienced operators saw colonies wiped out despite best management practices. Chris explains why there is no single cause—amitraz resistance, viral loads, pesticide exposure, weather, and management variables all intertwine to create what he calls a “complex mess.”

From there, the discussion broadens to economics: low honey prices, rising labor and input costs, consolidation within the industry, and cautious optimism around pollination markets—particularly almonds. Chris also dives deep into policy and advocacy efforts, including the Honey Integrity Act, FDA oversight, honey fraud, and the push to promote American honey to consumers who often don’t realize what’s actually in the bottle on grocery store shelves.

The episode wraps with reflections on the art and labor of commercial beekeeping, advice for hobbyists, and a powerful story linking beekeeping, land use, and the disappearance of sage grouse in the northern plains—underscoring how closely pollinators, wildlife, and agriculture are connected.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/gLsiYWfrY4k

________________

Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/

Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES

_________________

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

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

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

In this episode, we kick off Season 3 by diving deep into the North American Bee Strategy with special guest Matt Mulica of the Honey Bee Health Coalition. Together, we explore the biggest challenges facing honey bees and beekeepers today—and what’s being done across the U.S. and Canada to address them.

From Varroa mites and emerging threats like Tropilaelaps, to honey fraud, beekeeping economics, pesticides, forage, and applied research, this is a wide-ranging and practical conversation for beekeepers of all experience levels.

Along the way, we discuss why “live and let die” is not a Varroa management strategy, how agriculture and beekeepers can (and must) work together, and why protecting honey authenticity matters for both consumers and beekeepers. Plus, a reminder that beekeeping is officially cool—with a long list of celebrity beekeepers to prove it.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/tEZqo01uSrI

________________

Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/

Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES

_________________

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

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

Matt Mulica: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/

Full Report: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nabs/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

"Desensitization" is the key, but how is it applied?

In this final installment of the Apitherapy series, we return to Romania to sit down once more with Dr. Stefan Stangaciu, MD, beekeeper and one of the world’s leading authorities on apitherapy.

Building on the foundation laid in episodes 250 and 251, this conversation takes a deep dive into how bee products can be used to support the body in cases of seasonal allergies and hay fever.

Dr. Stangaciu explains the science behind pollen allergies, distinguishing between airborne anemophilous pollen and the heavier pollen collected by honey bees. He outlines traditional and modern desensitization strategies using local honey, bee pollen, propolis, and the increasingly popular beehive air therapy practiced throughout Europe.

The episode also explores how beehive air works on a physiological level, including the role of trace allergens, anti-inflammatory pheromones, and volatile compounds from beeswax and propolis. Along the way, listeners learn what practices are safe to try on their own, when to involve medical professionals, and how beekeepers can responsibly expand into apitherapy services.

Wrapping things up, Dr. Stangaciu shares a memorable and humorous beekeeping story, offers practical advice on combining bee products for health support, and leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: understanding the composition of bee products unlocks their true potential.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/jyqPCgnv5X8

________________

Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/

Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES

_________________

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

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

Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com