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

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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

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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!

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Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC