In this episode, we welcome Eugene Makovec, the editor of the American Bee Journal and a passionate advocate for the beekeeping community. Eugene's remarkable 30-year journey from a Wisconsin dairy farm to managing Sweet Harvest Honey in Missouri is a testament to his dedication and love for beekeeping. Throughout the episode, Eugene shares insights into his life, his initial lack of interest in bees, and how conversations with his father ignited a lifelong passion.

Topics discussed

• Eugene's Beekeeping Journey
• Public Speaking and Community Engagement
• Regulatory Challenges
• Legislative Advocacy
• Beekeeping Tips and Resources

This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical knowledge for both novice and experienced beekeepers. Eugene Makovic's story is not only about the intricacies of beekeeping but also a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on a community. Whether you're interested in the art of beekeeping, legislative advocacy, or simply love a good success story, Eugene's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons on perseverance, passion, and the importance of community support in overcoming challenges.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
American Bee Journal

Apiary Chronicles Links
Website
Check out the Grazing Grass Podcast

Chapters

Join us for an engaging episode of Apiary Chronicles as we explore the fascinating world of beekeeping with our guest, Phoebe Snyder, a dedicated beekeeper from Greensboro, North Carolina. Discover Phoebe's intriguing journey into beekeeping, starting from her childhood on a farm in Western Maryland and her unique experience selling praying mantis egg sacks on eBay. Initially aspiring to become a violinist or surgeon, Phoebe's passion for insects and a chance mentorship with a USDA researcher led her to the world of bees. Although she only recently acquired her own hives, Phoebe has been managing bees in research settings since 2015, and her academic background in biology provides valuable insights into bee behavior and hygienic practices.

Listen in as we discuss the emotional and personal growth aspects of beekeeping, highlighting the unexpected connections formed with these industrious insects. Phoebe shares her experiences of overcoming challenges such as bee stings and heat stroke during the early stages of her beekeeping journey. Despite these hurdles, her passion for beekeeping grew, eventually leading her to expand her operations and transform her hobby into a business venture. With plans to increase her colonies and offer services like teaching beekeeping at a local college, Phoebe illustrates the balance between personal fulfillment and professional growth.

In this episode, we also explore collaborative beekeeping efforts and the importance of maintaining genetic diversity within bee populations. Discover the various methods used to test hygienic behavior in bees, including innovative techniques developed with researchers. As Phoebe shares her insights on beekeeping tools, lessons learned, and favorite resources, she encourages both newcomers and seasoned beekeepers to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. With anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers a rich perspective on the world of beekeeping and the valuable life lessons it imparts.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
BeeSource
Phoebe on Instagram

Apiary Chronicles Links
website
Check out the Grazing Grass Podcast

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Today's Episode
• (00:24) - Fast Five with Phoebe Snyder
• (01:08) - Phoebe's Beekeeping Journey
• (03:51) - Early Experiences with Bees
• (05:38) - Academic Pursuits and Research
• (09:49) - Starting Her Own Apiary
• (19:33) - Expanding the Apiary
• (21:46) - Future Plans and Collaborations
• (25:09) - The Chaos of Beekeeping
• (25:35) - Italian Bees and Local Stock
• (26:51) - The Importance of Networking in Beekeeping
• (28:57) - Balancing Beekeeping and Personal Life
• (31:05) - Online Resources for Beekeepers
• (33:46) - Understanding Hygienic Behavior in Bees
• (35:05) - Testing Methods for Hygienic Behavior
• (44:18) - Selection Criteria for Breeder Bees
• (49:24) - Famous Four Questions

Join us as we explore the world of beekeeping through the fascinating experiences of Randy McCaffrey, known as 628 Dirt Rooster on social media. Randy's journey into beekeeping began unexpectedly when his brother enlisted his help with a challenging bee cutout from an old furniture warehouse. This adrenaline-filled encounter sparked Randy's passion for beekeeping, and he soon discovered that his skills in construction and woodwork were invaluable assets. Listen in as Randy recounts his early adventures, including an intense cutout from a farmhouse that left him with numerous bee stings but a newfound love for this unique hobby.

Throughout the episode, we also touch on various philosophies in beekeeping, including the treatment-free approach and the natural adaptation of bees. With personal anecdotes and insights from recent conferences, we discuss the importance of understanding bee health beyond chemical treatments. Randy shares his experiences with hive management and the joys and challenges of splitting hives, handling cutouts, and managing excess colonies. You'll hear about the intersection of faith, regenerative agriculture, and beekeeping practices, highlighting a belief in natural solutions over reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Finally, we emphasize the significance of construction knowledge in bee cutouts and how it often outweighs beekeeping expertise for those interested in the field. Randy offers practical advice for aspiring beekeepers, sharing effective techniques for bee removal from buildings and the importance of preventative maintenance. From utilizing infrared technology to locate bee colonies to the nuances of insurance considerations for cutout work, this episode provides a comprehensive overview for beginners and seasoned beekeepers alike. Tune in to learn about Randy's unique journey and gain valuable insights into the captivating world of beekeeping.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
628DirtRooster on YouTube


Apiary Chronicles Links
website
Check out the Grazing Grass Podcast

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Today's Show
• (00:21) - Fast Five with Randy McCaffrey
• (01:51) - Randy's Journey into Beekeeping
• (01:56) - First Cutout Experience
• (03:16) - Challenges and Thrills of Early Beekeeping
• (04:43) - Developing a Beekeeping Business
• (05:11) - Equipment Choices for Cutouts
• (08:47) - Managing Hot Bees
• (13:34) - Philosophy on Beekeeping and Treatments
• (22:08) - Swarm Catching Techniques
• (27:49) - Introduction to Cutouts
• (28:40) - Who Should Do Cutouts?
• (29:10) - Challenges and Expertise Required
• (29:50) - Construction Knowledge Over Beekeeping
• (31:56) - Practical Tips for Cutouts
• (39:35) - Handling and Saving Bees
• (44:41) - Preventing Bees from Returning
• (52:42) - Insurance and Business Considerations
• (54:02) - Famous Four Questions