End of Year Wrap-Up: Lessons from 2025 and Looking Ahead (366)

As the year comes to a close, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Dr. David Peck for a wide-ranging end-of-year conversation reflecting on the highs, lows, and lessons of beekeeping in 2025. From disruptive winter losses and evolving varroa pressures to promising new tools and treatments on the horizon, this episode takes a clear-eyed look at where beekeeping stands today.

The discussion opens with a listener question about siting bee yards, sparking a thoughtful exploration of how to evaluate apiary locations and approach landowners about hosting colonies. Drawing on real-world experience, Jeff, Becky, and David share what actually matters when selecting bee yards, why forage diversity and long-term observation are critical, and how patience—often across multiple seasons—leads to better outcomes.

The conversation then turns to the realities of 2025: amitraz resistance, elevated virus levels, and the continued challenge of sustainable overwintering. David offers practical insight into management strategies, including splitting approaches, overwintered nucs, and the importance of controlling varroa to limit viral impacts. The group also highlights emerging tools such as VarroxSan, Api-Bioxal RTU, and Norroa, discussing where they fit into integrated mite management and where expectations should remain realistic.

Despite the challenges, the episode closes on an optimistic note. From beekeepers experimenting with comb honey to improved education and collaboration across the community, there's plenty to look forward to in 2026. It's a candid, encouraging wrap-up for anyone committed to keeping healthier bees in a changing landscape.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• Beescape.net: https://beescape.psu.edu
• NASA HoneyBeeNet: https://honeybeenet.gsfc.nasa.gov
• North American Honey Bee Expo (NAHBE): https://https://www.nahbexpo.com
• 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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