There’s a lot of information out there when it comes to beekeeping – so how do you know what to believe?
We’ve curated a selection of recommended videos and links to provide reliable, practical advice from experienced beekeepers, helping you to build your hive – and your confidence.
Explore our recommended resources below:
General beekeeping
Dave Cushman’s website
With several thousand pages of beekeeping and bee breeding information, this is widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive and informative beekeeping websites.
Mike Palmer – The Sustainable Apiary
A video that discusses the folly of importing bees from warmer climates to the frozen north.
University of Guelph Bee Research Centre: Re-queening Colonies
In this video, the university shares how to successfully re-queen a honey bee colony.
Marla Spivak – Benefits of Propolis
This excellent research video explores the benefits of Propolis, highlighting its antibiotic properties and its role in keeping free-living bees healthier than those in hives.
Practical Beekeeping with Roger Patterson
KIWIMANA, a New Zealand-based beekeeping organisation and podcast, speaks to Roger about his life and beekeeping experience.
Randy Oliver presents "Reading the Combs: Understanding Bee Biology Over the Course of a Season
A summary of Randy Oliver's Understanding Colony Buildup and Decline series, exploring bee biology, nutrition and disease management to help beekeepers make informed, season-specific decisions.
Pests and diseases
Dr Samuel Ramsey - Varroa Feed on Fat Body
A groundbreaking presentation that challenges long-held assumptions about how Varroa feed on their host bees during the phoretic stage.
Dr Sammy Ramsey - The Tropilaelaps Mite: A Fate Far Worse Than Varroa
As recommended by Roger Patterson.
ScientificBeekeeping.com
Beekeeping through the eyes of biologist Randy Oliver, this website offers science-based insights, practical advice and research-driven approaches to hive management and bee health.
Management techniques
Randy Oliver – Tips for Working Bees
An essential video for the ‘suited and booted’ blue gloves brigade
Queen rearing and bee improvement
University of Guelph Bee Research Centre: The Cell Builder Part 1
Another video from the University of Guelph, sharing their version of using the Cloake Board.
University of Guelph Bee Research Centre: The Cell Builder Part 2
Another video from the University of Guelph, sharing their version of using the Cloake Board.
University of Guelph Bee Research Centre: Mini Nucs
How the university produces and uses mini nucs for mating queens throughout the season.
Events
National Honey Show
An annual honey and beekeeping exhibition, featuring competitions, expert lectures and demonstrations for beekeepers of all levels.
Charities
Bees for Development
A charity that promotes sustainable beekeeping to combat poverty, protect biodiversity and build resilient livelihoods in communities around the world.
Bees for Development
A charity that promotes sustainable beekeeping to combat poverty, protect biodiversity and build resilient livelihoods in communities around the world.
