Around the Yard:

• Harvesting Honey:Luke and Steve have harvested honey.
• Grafting: Luke continues to graft!
• Queens Obtained: Queens purchased from Kobe Apiary for the Dalan Animal Vaccine
• Adding Supers: Continues to add supers to hives.
• Inspector Visits: Our local inspector came to visit Luke!

In the News:

• Field Day: What is a club field day and should your local club have one?

Droning On:

• Purdue Queen Grafting: Luke is headed to Purdue to check out some queen grafting.
• Hive Cutouts: Luke and Steve have some more cutouts coming up.
• Beekeeping Insurance: Luke is finally insured (again) for the cutouts.

Tune in to Episode 30 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

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

Around the Yard:

• Expanding Products: Riverview Road Apiary adds some employees and new products!
• Pollen Tasting: Luke and Steve try some locally collected pollen and let you know how it is.
• How to Harvest and Prepare Pollen: Luke and Steve talk about pollen collection and preparation.
• Nectar Flow: Nectar is coming in so fast it's difficult to keep up.
• Swarm Captures: Ideas for catching swarms and how we go about it this busy season.

In the News:

• USDA Concludes Cause of Dieoffs in 2024/2025: Luke and Steve review study on what happened to the US bees this last winter and why the dieoffs were so high. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706v1.full

Honeybee Hotline:

• Discord Server Live: https://discord.gg/SzCUt7yZ come talk to Steve and Luke and make some beekeeping buddies!
• Rewaxing Frames: What we use to rewax our frames.
• Queenless Colonies: Do you add brood from another hive when I add a queen?
• How Many Queen Cells: How many grafted queen cells do you add to a hive?
• Honeybound: How to deal with honeybound hives.
• How to Move Bees Into Drawn Supers: How we get bees to move into drawn supers.
• How to Fix a Drone Laying Queen Coming Out of Winter
• How to Requeen a Large, Mean, Hive
• Where is the Colony Cliff?

Droning On:

• Honey, Treating, and Spring Splits: Luke and Steve talk about what we are doing.

Tune in to Episode 29 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

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

Welcome to Episode 28 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Purchasing Hives: Steve buys some hives from a local beekeeper who is chasing her dreams!
• Queen Hatching Experience: Steve finds a unique experience working the club beehives, and some lessons learned.
• Oops: Luke makes a mistake with one of his hives!
• Nectar Flow: Nectar is coming in so fast it's difficult to keep up.
• Swarm Captures: Ideas for catching swarms and how we go about it this busy season.

In the News:

• Bumblebees Have a Flower Preference: Study shows bumblebee pressure with pollination is causing some flowers shift from red to yellow.

Honeybee Hotline:

• Discord Server Live: https://discord.gg/SzCUt7yZ come talk to Steve and Luke and make some beekeeping buddies!
• City Ordinances: Ever wanted to change your city ordinances? Luke and Steve talk about how we did it!

Droning On:

• Queen Rearing Course: Luke and Steve work on their queen rearing course.
• Moving Bees To Clover: Trying out moving queens to clover.
• Oxylic Acid Pads: Luke makes and is trying out OA pads for his hives.

Bonus Content:

• Riverivew Road Apiary Needs a Truck?

Tune in to Episode 28 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

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

Welcome to Episode 27 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Swarms: Luke and Steve continue to pick up swarms!
• Splits: It's that time of year to make your splits. Luke and Steve discuss how we do that.
• Moving Bees to Clover Farm: Luke and Steve discuss moving some bees.
• Steve's Purchasing Adventures: What is involved when buying someone's hives?

In the News:

• Honeybee Losses: Will beekeeping have to change with the times?

Droning On:

• Hive Checks: What we are seeing in our hives.
• Queen Grafting: Queen grafting classes.

Tune in to Episode 27 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

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

Welcome to Episode 26 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Nuc Pickup and Dispersion Adventure: Luke and Steve pick up some nucs!
• House Cutout: What happens to bees where they are not supposed to be?

In the News:

• Honeybee Losses: Honeybee losses hit the mainstream!

Droning On:

• Hive Checks: What we are seeing in our hives.
• Queen Grafting: Queen grafting classes.

Tune in to Episode 26 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/

Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs

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

Welcome to Episode 25 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Spring Weather: Cold weather keeping you out of your hives?
• Feed or Not: Should we be feeding still?
• Speaking to Groups: How and when do we talk about bees?
• First Dandelions!
• Getting Nucs: What is the process of getting 50 nucs of bees?

In the News:

• Tariffs: How will the tariffs impact beekeepers?
• Pollination Services: Do farmers understand pollination requirements?
• North American Honeybee Expo: Luke shares some details about the Expo

Honeybee Hotline:

• Electrical Flower Discharge: Bees can see electrical charges?
• Survival Rates and Treating with Oxalic Acid: Should we be changing the way we treat or bees?

Droning On:

• Sneaking in Hive Checks: Find some nice warm weather to check your hives.
• Classes and Nuc Pickup: We talk about nuc pickup and classes.

Tune in to Episode 25 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/

Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs

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

Welcome to Episode 24 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Spring Treatment: OA treatment in our hives.
• Canadian Beekeeper Blog Breakdown: Mite count theory that holds some water.
• To Feed or Not to Feed: What we are we feeding and how?
• Bees are Working: Are the girls able to get out and about?
• Do We Reverse Hives: Steve and Luke talk about if we do reversals?

In the News:

• Grafting Queens: We review an meeting we went about grafting queens.
• Queen Grafting Course: Luke and Steve will be running a queen building course.
• Feral Bees: How did the US bees do this winter? The news is not great.

Honeybee Hotline:

• Selling Wax: What do you sell wax for?
• When Can I Graft: Luke and Steve discuss when to graft.

Droning On:

• Nuc Delivery
• Clover Nectar Grab

Tune in to Episode 24 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/

Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs

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/

Welcome to Episode 23 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Spring Feeding: In order to build up our hives for spring, we are feeding our bees.
• Winter Losses: How did we do with our hives? Steve and Luke report.

In the News:

• Why Are Poor Queens Poor (ABJ Article): Reviewing the article in this month ABJ.
• North American Bee Survey: How did the US bees do this winter? The news is not great.

Honeybee Hotline:

• German Dark Forest, Arizona Mesquite Desert Wildflower, and French Lavender Honey: Our thoughts on some different honey types we were able to try.

Tune in to Episode 23 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

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/