(#267) In this episode, Jeff, Becky, and Jim dive deep into the world of developing advanced beekeeping skills. The trio revisits the 2020 foundational series on getting started with bees, adding a fresh perspective with new insights for 2024. They tackle the essentials of beekeeping, emphasizing the journey from beginner to experienced keeper, and highlight the commitment required to master the craft. The discussion opens about the time and dedication beekeeping demands, debunking the glossy, effortless image often portrayed. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips on making beekeeping more manageable, stressing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to maintain healthy colonies. Listeners will gain insights into the seasonal tasks of beekeeping, the value of local beekeeping communities, and the significance of mentorship. The episode also covers the importance of proper equipment use, weather considerations, and flexible scheduling to meet the needs of your bees throughout the year. By the end, the conversation underscores the evolving nature of beekeeping, encouraging beekeepers to seek out education, embrace community support, and stay abreast of new practices for a fulfilling beekeeping experience. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for beekeepers aiming to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of the intricate world of beekeeping. Links and websites mentioned in this episode: How To Get Started in Beekeeping Episode Collection Page: https://beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/htgs Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Betterbee Quick Start Guide: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/how-to-be-a-beekeeper.asp  University of Minnesota Bee Squad - Gentle Beekeeping: https://beelab.umn.edu/person-mentoring-apiary USDA Bee Lab: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/bee-research-laboratory/ Mission Beelieve: https://www.missionbeelieve.com/ Heros to Hives: https://www.canr.msu.edu/veterans/Veterans-Programming/Heroes-to-Hives/index Bee Veterans: https://beelab.umn.edu/bee-veterans Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: http://honeybeeobscura.com   ______________   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!  Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.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: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC