Organically Managed Beekeeping Podcast and Forums

Spring 2012

craig — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:48:50 +0000

Spring has sprung early around these parts. Well, it’s almost like winter never actually came, at least not in full force. In any case, the hives are alive with activity, a welcome relief.

I am about to make some splits and start some NUCs. By the end of the season I would like to have 10 NUCs ready to go into the winter, each 18″ high. The goal is to over-wintering them and offer them for sale next spring. (2013)

On another note, life just got a whole lot more interesting around here with the arrival of my daughter’s 5 baby chickens. We now have honey bees AND chickens. Good grief, put a straw hat on me and some over-alls and I’m officially a farmer!

Cheers,

-=Craig

Stop guessing and know for sure if chemicals are in your hive

craig — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:49:50 +0000

Dr. Maryann Frazier at Penn State received funding from Project Apis mellifera (PAm) to run pesticide samples for interested beekeepers at a 50% discount of $80 for each samples for miticides or $142 per sample for the full screen of 171 pesticides, compared to $160 for miticides or $284 for the full 171 pesticide analysis without the cost-share. Beekeepers can send samples of wax, pollen, adult bees, brood, or nectar for analysis. In two to three weeks after the samples are sent in, the beekeeper will be provided with a report of the pesticides in samples, along with information about how those levels compare to the rest of the country. All the data generated will be stored in a large and confidential database at Penn State.

If you are interested in participating, contact Maryann.

(Courtesy of the Bee Informed Partnership)

-=Craig

Whats in a name?

craig — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:12:43 +0000

A new year rings in change, always. With much thought and reflection I feel I have evolved in such a way that the original branding of this Podcast and this beekeeper no longer fit.

I had originally considered a few different monikers to which I am now re-visiting.

Hence, what’s in a name?

Prag·mat·ic

/pragˈmatik/Adjective:

-Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

Perfect.

Stay tuned for a change…

-=Craig

PS – The FORUM got a face-lift and is now open registration enabled. Sign yourself up if you haven’t already!

Podcast Episode 23 – The Practical Beekeeper – Michael Bush!

craig — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:30:52 +0000

A very special guest, Michael Bush, is on the podcast this time around. I am a big fan of his and I am honored to bring this podcast to you. Michael has been instrumental in bringing the “Natural Beekeeping” movement to the forefront. His articulate speaking style is packed with great information, a treat to listen to.

-=Craig

Podcast Episode 22 – Top Bar Hive Style Beekeeping

craig — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:20:51 +0000

We cover different types of top bar hives and the management styles that go with them. Are you looking for information about alternative hive styles? Are you on the fence about using the “standard” Lang hive? Well, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for! This is all the information you need to get off the beaten path and pursue keeping bees more “naturally.” Heck, you may even save a few bucks in the process! Our guest is Matt Reed from BeeThinking.com in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Chemicals banned everywhere, but legal in the US? EPA knows but aren’t telling?

craig — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:17:05 +0000

To some of you this is old news but for others it may be eye openning. The blog that I got this from had this quote from the author:

“Does it get more corrupt than this?
A corporation is allowed to rip the heart of America’s agricultural system (honeybees are ESSENTIAL for pollination) and not one of the scumbags in Congress or the empty suits in the White House are doing a thing about it. We don’t have a government in this country. We have a gang of self-serving thieves.”

Wow, those are strong words but isn’t that what we need to force action? Somebody do something, please…

It has been a reoccuring theme throughout my podcasts; “It’s all about money.” Big chemical companies spend a lot of money to protect their interests and unfortunately they are not interested in honeybees surviving. After all, honeybees are not their source of income…

I’ll get off my soapbox now

Cheers,
-=Craig

Podcast Episode 21 – Constructive Beekeeping

craig — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 07:26:42 +0000

In this episode I play some listener feedback calls and also read some of an old beekeeping book that is out of copyright. What great lessons we can learn from the past!

Enjoy,

-=Craig
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Rebuilding After The Storm

craig — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:06:06 +0000

Hello everyone,
I have added a tab above that gives information on the honey I have for sale. I have also added a tab with information on how to get registered on the FORUMs. You’ll also hopefully be pleased to learn that I am once again listed in iTunes and I have a new Podcast series coming soon. I’m calling this one, “The Beginner’s Series with Don the FatBeeMan.” I know you will enjoy them.

The title of this post:
I felt like it was appropriate on a few levels… Most obvious to my faithful listeners is that I am getting the website slowly put back together after the “storm” of attacks from spammers.

On a more personal note, my family and I are re-building our lives after the hurricane tore through Southern Maryland last month. Our home sustained a large amount of damage from several trees falling onto it. In addition, 15+ huge red oaks fell all over the property blocking the driveway and forever changing the look of the place. It was heartbreaking and has turned out to be an unbelievable amount of work to cut these trees up and remove the debris.

Here is why I am sharing this painful news. An oak tree fell in front of the bee hives. An oak tree fell behind the beehives. The biggest oak tree fell between the rows of hives. A pine tree one foot in diameter even fell along side the hives completely encircling them.

Not a single bee hive was hit by a tree, not even a branch… No hives toppled over, nothing… I have some pictures I will get around to posting sometime.

When I discovered that every single hive made it I couldn’t help but to think that it was nothing short of a miracle. My family is OK. My girls are OK. The rest is just stuff

Cheers,
-=Craig

Some Late Summer News

craig — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:29:23 +0000

Well, if anyone is still hanging around these parts looking for updates on what is going on here it is…

I grew weary of the spammers and didn’t have the energy to continue cleaning up after them along with everything else going on in my life to keep me busy.

I installed new Forum software that is much better at dealing with that sort of thing. You should be able to register for an account now without a problem.

Thanks for hanging in there.

Cheers,

Craig

Podcast Episode 20 – FatBeeMan Intro Series 3 of 3

craig — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:04:10 +0000

Here is the fantastic conclusion of the “Intro” series with Don the FatBeeMan. This is my personal favorite out of the three but you be the judge on which one you like best.

If you enjoyed this series and specifically Don’s teachings then you’ll be happy to know that we have another series under production. The next one is aimed squarely at the beginning beekeeper. That’s not to say that you intermediate and advanced folks won’t pick up a thing or two! They’ll be plenty of stuff for you to UNLEARN, rest assured of that!

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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George Imirie’s “Pink Pages” of wisdom now in AUDIO (rss)

craig — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 02:33:52 +0000

George Imirie, inventor of the “Imirie Shim” that is available in various bee supply catalogs kept bees for over 70 years. He had a lot of knowledge to share but unfortunately he passed away in 2007. While he was the President of the Montgomery County beekeepers (also in Maryland) he wrote their club newsletters filled with his wisdom which he called, “The Pink Pages.”

These Pink Pages have been run through a web site utility that has converted them to audio files and they are now available at the following RSS feed:

http://www.yakitome.com/cgi-bin/rss.py?uID=1350828966&cmd=pub#

Simply load that link into your Podcast software and you’ll see MANY of George’s writings and you’ll have the luxury of being able to listen to them instead of having to be a captive reader.

You can also simply click this link and listen to the files by clicking the links.

Enjoy!
-=Craig

Podcast Episode 19 – The FatBeeMan 2 of 3

craig — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:07:50 +0000

I hereby dub Don the first “Grand Master Beekeeper” that I have come across. I hope you enjoy this and there is more to come!

Best
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 18 – Meet Don the FatBeeMan

craig — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 02:09:49 +0000

I am proud to present a conversation with Don the FatBeeMan, owner of Dixie Bee Supply. Don is a well-known and respected teacher of all things beekeeping with 50+ years of hands-on under his belt.
Don keeps (and breeds) very gentle small-cell bees that survive without chemical treatments. Don is also an active participate on our FORUMS so take the opportunity to interact with him there and ask questions!!

* Mentioned in this episode – 4 frame Baby NUC video

Also, I highly recommend you watch the 6 short videos on the FatBeeMan YouTube channel. They are a perfect compliment to Don’s episodes on this Podcast. It will also give you more of an insight into what Don is all about. It’s worth every minute!

Cheers,
Craig
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The FatBeeMan is scheduled as an upcoming guest

craig — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 03:00:32 +0000

Hello everyone,

Don Kuchenmeister (a.k.a. the FatBeeMan) is scheduled to be a Podcast guest in the very near future.

He brings 50+ years of beekeeping knowledge to the table. Don is a chemical-free small cell beekeeper and has been (successfully) for a long time.

If you have questions you’d like me to ask him please let me know! Post them on the FORUMS or email me: craig at somdbeekeeper.com

Cheers,
-=Craig

Podcast Episode 17 – Happy 2011! Some Commentary and Updates

craig — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 02:25:21 +0000

Happy New Year!

Let’s welcome 2011 and make this a great year for the bees!

Also, stop in and join the discussion FORUM!

http://somdbeekeeper.com/forum

Best,
-=Craig
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Enhanced Features For The New Year

craig — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 03:02:38 +0000

I’ve added a 24-hour feedback line. The Number is (240) 317-9009

You can call and leave questions, comments and feedback about the show!

I’ll be checking it often so if you leave a question I’ll answer it myself or get a guest to answer it in a Podcast if appropriate. I’m excited about having another way of interacting with you folks.

Happy Holidays,
Craig

Podcast Episode 16 – John Seaborn is Back (2 of 2)

craig — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:07:34 +0000

So much going on, so little time in a summer day…

Well, it was another long delay since my last episode. I finally got this one together and published for you all. Lots of great stuff here. Enjoy!

Best,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 15 – John Seaborn Is Back! (1 of 2)

craig — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 03:10:22 +0000

Hi All,

Back by popular demand it’s John Seaborn from Wolfcreek Apiaires here to talk more about small-cell bees, winter die offs, swarming and much more.

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 14 – Amber Rose Bee-Acupuncture How to – Series Conclusion

craig — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:19:19 +0000

This is the series conclusion with more in-depth how-to information on bee-acupuncture. We cover a lot of ground and there is truly a wealth of information in this episode if your mind is open to it.

Once again, I kept the play time just small enough to fit onto an audio CD for those that would like to burn a copy.

The next Podcast will be back to beekeeping. Stay tuned!

-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 13 – Amber Rose Bee Acupuncture How-To Part 3

craig — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:21:15 +0000

With the third part of the series we really start to move into the how-to portion. The next and final episode in the series is probably the most heavily into the how-to with tips and tricks.

I kept the intro and outro very brief and it sounded like I was speed talking I suppose but I had to keep the audio under 80 minutes so people could burn this podcast onto a CD if they want to. Some people have told me they enjoy listening to these while they drive so I made a conscious effort to make this recording (and the next) just small enough to fit.

-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 12 – Amber Rose Interview Part 2

craig — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:26:05 +0000

Interview with Bee Acupuncturist, Amber Rose, Part 2.

This episode is sort of a free form discussion with some of the philosophy of bee acupuncture mixed in. There is some great information in here!

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 11 – Amber Rose Interview Part 1

craig — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:40:20 +0000

In this episode I introduce Amber Rose and kick off the series on the topic of, “Products of the Hive.”

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 10 – Backwards Beekeeping with Kirk Anderson Part 2 of 2

craig — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:44:20 +0000

This one is a lot of fun!

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 9 – Backwards Beekeeping with Kirk Anderson Part 1 of 2

craig — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:51:33 +0000

In this two part series I interview Kirk Anderson from the Backwards Beekeepers in Los Angeles, CA. They are a group of folks that capture swarms all over the city, hive them, and keep them without treatments.

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 8 – The Barefoot Beekeeper Phil Chandler Part 2 of 2

craig — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:55:52 +0000

The conclusion of the interview with Phil Chandler over at biobees.com

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 7 – The Barefoot Beekeeper Phil Chandler Part 1 of 2

craig — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:02:31 +0000

Phil Chandler the “Barefoot Beekeeper” speaks with us about keeping bees in Top Bar Hives (TBHs).

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 6 – John Seaborn of Wolfcreek Apiaries Part 3 of 3

craig — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:06:33 +0000

“A typical beekeeping year and what to expect.”

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 5 – John Seaborn of Wolfcreek Apiaries Part 2 of 3

craig — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:09:50 +0000

Organically managed pest strategies and much more!

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 4 – John Seaborn of Wolfcreek Apiaries Part 1 of 3

craig — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:16:38 +0000

Introducing John Seaborn of Wolfcreek Apiaries. This series is packed with so much information you’ll find yourself listening to the episodes more than once!

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 3 – “Natural Beekeeping” author Ross Conrad Part 2 of 2

craig — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:20:22 +0000

Ross Conrad’s website: Dancing Bee Gardens

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 2 – “Natural Beekeeping” author Ross Conrad Part 1 of 2

craig — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:25:04 +0000

In this episode I interview Ross Conrad the author of Natural Beekeeping, a book I enjoyed very much. I ended up shaking his hand in person a year or so later at one of his talks in Philadelphia. This interview is a rare treat!

Enjoy,
-=Craig
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Podcast Episode 1 – And So It Begins…

craig — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:31:58 +0000

Here it is, the episode that started it all. Its fun for me to go back and listen to this since so much time has gone by. I have learned so much since then but yet so much of the “book knowledge” I had down pat back then is still proving tricky to implement. However, I am pleased to say that I have not waivered much at all from the information presented in this episode. Its as true now as it was then.

Enjoy,
-=Craig

(Edited: Fall of 2011, roughly 2 years after initial posting)
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