Explore the world one beekeeping story at a time! During this free webinar series we invite beekeepers from around the world to share their unique experiences with us. In 2024, we will explore the Ukraine, Thailand, Lesotho, Mexico, Sweden and the Himalayas before hearing from a world traveler. This follows the 2023 series, where we heard from the president of Apimondia, the International Organization of Beekeeping Associations, followed by speakers from the Canadian Prairies, Switzerland, Australia, Argentina, China, and East Africa. Discover why beekeeping is so popular all over the world!
2024 Around the World Series
Beekeeping in Ukraine, recorded on February 15, 2024 – Watch Now
Speaker: Petrusia Kotlar
The Beekeeping in Ukraine Journey will take you through Prewar times, visiting six regions in Ukraine through the Postwar experience and evolution of beekeeping practices in Ukraine after February 2022.
Beekeeping in Thailand, recorded on February 22, 2024 – Watch Now
Speaker: Jean Miller
Thailand is home to approximately half of the world’s honey bee species! Join our speaker as she discusses Thailand’s native species Apis dorsata, A. florea, A. cerana, A. andreniformis, and non-native A. mellifera.
Beekeeping in Lesotho recorded on February 29, 2024 – Watch Now
Speaker: Julia ‘Masina Mafike
In the rural district of Mafeteng, Lesotho, Africa, lies a small village called Motsekuoa in which the Convent of the Handmaids of Christ the Priest is located. This convent is home to 60-year-old Sister Julia ‘Masina Mafike, H.C.P, a nun who is making strides in conserving biodiversity through beekeeping. Julia runs a women-led initiative that produces and sells organic bee products while also nourishing and restoring the environment.
Beekeeping in Mexico March 7, 2024 – Watch Now
Speaker: Héctor Morales Urbina & Maggie Shanahan
Two beekeepers will will talk about their experience running a small family-owned beekeeping operation in Chiapas, Mexico. Maggie will share some broad context around beekeeping in Mexico, and discuss the ways in which practicing small-scale, diversified beekeeping can help beekeepers build resilience. Héctor will talk about the some of the ways beekeepers in the region use traditional ecological knowledge to better care for their bees.
Beekeeping in Sweden March 14, 2024 – Watch Now
Speaker: Lotta Fabricius Kristiansen
You will get a personal picture of being a beekeeper in Sweden. What the beekeeping season looks like and what conditions there are for honey bees in the northern parts of Europe. Topics like the honey market and the relationship with wild pollinators will also be touched.
Beekeeping of Apis cerana in the Himalayas March 21, 2024 – Watch Now
Speaker: Katrina Klett
Beekeeping World Traveler March 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET – Watch Now
Speaker: Lauren Park
This talk will focus on the results of Lauren Park’s 2022 Nuffield Canada Agricultural Scholarship which allowed her the opportunity to visit beekeepers and agriculture partners in 13 countries around the world investigating bee health challenges. Primarily, she looked to answer questions about queen health, and troubleshoot why queens are being blamed for colony losses. The results of her travels vary from exploring the complexities of bee and queen health from a beekeeper’s perspective to exploring ways industry collaboration can improve the future of the industry.
2023 Around the World Series
Apimondia – Watch Now
Speaker: Jeff Pettis
During this kick-off to the 2023 Beekeeping Around the World series, you will hear a general overview of beekeeping around the world, including harvesting honey from stingless bees and also honey hunting of Apis dorsata, and more!
Beekeeping in Australia – Watch Now
Speaker: John Roberts
Until 2022, Australia was free of the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, that has plagued beekeeping in the rest of the world. Now beekeepers are being forced to deal with this destructive pest. During Beekeeping Around the World: Australia, we will discuss a related mite, Varroa jacobsoni that has also emerged in Papua New Guinea and recently spread to Fiji. Learn about beekeeping before and after the introduction of these mites.
Beekeeping in China – Watch Now
Speaker: Zachary Huang
China has a long history of beekeeping. They have developed a line of bees that produce large quantities of royal jelly, which is harvested for use in medicine and cosmetics. See how it is made and harvested. You will also see unique queen rearing practices.
Beekeeping in Switzerland – Watch Now
Speaker: Lars Straub
In Switzerland, bees are kept in various ways, and most beekeepers have only about ten colonies. During Beekeeping Around the World: Switzerland, we will look at bee houses, with multiple colonies under one roof with entrances facing the back, and why they are popular.
Beekeeping in Argentina – Watch Now
Speaker: Alberto Galindo-Cardona
In northern Argentina, Africanized bees have become established but remain valuable honey producers. Studies of honey bee mating in drone congregation areas have provided insight into where these mating sites occur. During Beekeeping Around the World: Argentina, we will discuss how finding and studying mating provides valuable insight into the hybridization of honey bees of European and African descent.
Beekeeping in East Africa – Watch Now
Speaker: Elliud Muli
People in Kenya have been keeping bees since 2000 BC. During Beekeeping Across the World: East Africa, we will discuss how modern beekeeping in Kenya faces several challenges, yet it is a benefit to those that choose to keep bees for added income.
Beekeeping in the Canadian Prairies – Watch Now
Speaker: Phil Veldhuis & Ian Steppler
Beekeeping in the Canadian Prairies is fast and furious. A short, abundant honey flow follows a long, frigid winter. During Beekeeping Around the World: The Canadian Prairies, we will discuss how bees and Beekeepers must be prepared for an intense beekeeping season and then endure more than six months of freezing temperatures.
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