Jamie Ellis: Improving Honey Bee Health (376)

Dr. Jamie Ellis joins the Beekeeping Today Podcast to discuss current honey bee research and what it means for everyday beekeeping management. Jamie directs the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory and has spent decades studying honey bee biology, pests, and colony health. In this conversation, he shares insights from his work with beekeepers across the United States and explains how research findings translate into practical decisions in the apiary. The discussion explores how modern beekeeping continues to evolve as researchers and beekeepers work together to better understand colony stress, pests, and environmental pressures. Jamie explains how scientists evaluate colony health and how different management approaches can influence outcomes in both hobbyist and commercial operations. Varroa mites inevitably enter the conversation, but the focus remains on the broader question of how beekeepers can maintain strong colonies through informed management practices. Jamie discusses the importance of monitoring colonies, staying aware of emerging research, and adapting management strategies as new information becomes available. Throughout the episode, Jamie emphasizes the role of communication between researchers and beekeepers. Scientific research is most valuable when it is translated into practical tools that help beekeepers keep colonies healthy and productive. This conversation offers listeners a thoughtful look at how honey bee science continues to shape the future of beekeeping and how research institutions and beekeepers work together to improve honey bee health. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/ Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. 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 HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: [email protected] 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; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC