69 entries.
wrote on January 21, 2018
at
11:51 pm
Hi from North Wales.
I’ve just found these podcasts after seeing the video editions you did on the NWNJBA YouTube site and am finding them very interesting and they provide great listening.
I’m only up to the podcast number 10 now so I’ve got plenty to get on with.
I’m a beekeeper in North Wales and have between 8 to 14 hives at my home apiary which is high on the side of a valley. I keep local Welsh bees which are a very old breed of black bees which was thought to have died out here in the UK back in the 50’s but being secluded, and with much work by local beekeepers who only promote local stock and not imported Bees, we have now managed to get a good bloodline going and the numbers of Welsh Black bees are growing in this area.
They are unique in that they regularly fly in cold ( down to 3 degrees celcious ) and damp weather and even if it’s raining very hard they still go out to fly. They require and use very little stores when over wintering, they produce a lovely traditional/ classic brood frame in the shape of a rainbow with a arch shaped layer of pollen above the brood and then a arch shaped layer of honey above the pollen. They are skitty on the frame and very quick movers compared to Italian types and can be a little aggressive at times but we get very few issues when over wintering as they are very local bees and well acclimatized.
Perhaps I’ll email you pictures of them sometime.
Keep up the great work Kevin
Nick.
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Nick - thanks for the entry. The bees you are working with sound really interesting. Glad you took the time to touch base and keep us posted. If you want to send something along, send it to kevin@bkcorner.org.
wrote on January 16, 2018
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6:07 am
Kevin:
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your podcast and complement you on the professional quality of your podcast and show notes. Very impressive.
I am new to beekeeping and scoured the internet and you tube for information as well as joining the local beekeeping club. On day I thought, I wonder if there are any beekeeping podcast and found the Beekeeper’s Corner podcast. Episode 112 was the first one I listened to and immediate recognized your voice as that beekeeper that stays so calm even when he got stung (I guess that really impressed me on one of the videos). Anyway, early in episode 112 you mentioned that you were not going to worry so much about what people say (negative comments) but do things with a smile. That really impressed me, and I subscribed to your podcast.
Recently, in Episode 122, you discussed the NJ DOA Regulations and how you have held off on commenting on the regulations as your comments were a bit on the negative side. I know in my own case whenever I am a bit mad and send out an email or call someone – the results never work out as I expected. So, I complement you on pulling back and reconsidering. As you said in episode 112, find a way to say it with a smile. Keep gathering your comments with other beekeepers and regular folks and pushing back- at least in the US we still have a voice and can provide input into government regulations.
Now I thought I would continue to attempt to get a chuckle from you. It relates to a bit of trivia about your podcast. Specifically, which channel did you initially record your podcast in. So my story goes:
I liked you podcast so much, I decided to listen to them all starting at episode 1. I often wake up around 2-3 am and I sometimes listen to podcast while I try to fall back asleep. So, I decided I would start listening to your early podcast at that time. Two more details- I sleep on my side so I have only one ear plug in (the upper ear) depending on which side I am lying on and secondly the wireless receptions in the bedroom is slow. So, the first night all went well and I listened to episode 1 (lots more music than recent episodes). The next night I tried to listen to episode 2 but kept waiting for the episode to load. I never heard anything before I finally fell asleep. But in the morning, I noticed the IPOD said episode 2 would be deleted (as it had played). That’s strange I thought, but I listened to it the subsequent night. And so, it went- sometimes I heard the podcast, sometimes I didn’t and would retry. It wasn’t until episode 14 at the end you mentioned the earlier podcast were only recorded on one channel. The LEFT channel! So, I only heard it if I was laying on my right side with my left ear up. If I slept on my left side with the right channel earplug in, I never heard it. Well I thought that was funny and I hope you do too. Thanks for now using both the right and left channels!
In closing, thanks for the podcast I really enjoy them and look forward to each new one. It is truly impressive that you have continued so long. Looking forward to episode 123!
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Love the message. That's a great story - the single channel discovery. THanks for taking the time to check in and yes, even with the latest episode you will find that I am still trying to keep bees with a smile. Listening at 2am in the morning, I think that is a first.... 🙂
wrote on November 30, 2017
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8:13 pm
Kevin-
I really enjoy listening to your podcast. This year was my first year keeping bees. I wasn't too successful. My bees absconded a couple weeks ago but I learned a ton and look forward to giving it another try next season. I look forward to what you are doing and pull tons of good information out of your podcasts. Thank you for everything you do.
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Bummer Dan that the bees absconded. Sorry to hear of your luck. Glad you are looking to try again and wish you the best. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a note.
wrote on November 13, 2017
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1:56 pm
Itunes on my 4g ipod goes from episode 97 to 113 ? Though you should know. v6.1.6 Not sure if it's just due to an older ipod and iOS or what. Thank you for this podcast. It's my favorite beekeeping podcast I've found.
wrote on November 9, 2017
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1:42 pm
Hi Kevin,
Regarding the Homasote fibre board that you talk about in episode 119 for the moisture board, this is a US brand which doesn't seem to be available here, but in the UK we have something similar made from recycled newspapers made by a firm called Sundeala.
Its commonly used for noticeboards in schools, etc. and is available untreated (which I guess would be good for the bees) or fire-retardant (probably not so good for the bees)... The website for the UK listeners is: www.sundeala.co.uk
Bee good!
Patrick.
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Thanks Patrick for the information. I've made a note of what you shared. While winter is almost over, It think it is still a good snippet of information to pass along.
wrote on November 9, 2017
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12:52 pm
Hi Kevin,
Greetings from across the water!
Thanks for the Podcast... I came across it after recommendation form the guys at Beehive Jive, and it keeps me entertained on the long commute to and from work. I'm slowly working my way through them after listening to the last few since September and now going back further in time...
I'm new to the beekeeping game and am doing as much research and reading as possible through the winter in anticipation of a beginners course in the spring, with my local group (shout out to the Shropshire BKA!!). My plan is to start with a nuc that I'll re-home into a British Standard National hive on shallow frames as these are the most commonly used here. I have a big garden (yard?) that I think will comfortably hold a couple of colonies without causing too many issues, so, if I can expand to two or three that will be ideal I think.
Any time you're in the UK, feel free to pop in for a cup of tea!
Regards,
Patrick Maloney.
wrote on October 30, 2017
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12:58 pm
Kevin - I listen to your podcast regularly. I saw this article and thought I would pass it along. I thought you might have interest in it.
https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46188647&nid=1012&title=usu-professor-hopes-robotic-hives-will-help-honeybees
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Thanks for the article share. I'm going to check it out and add it for a future call out.
wrote on October 3, 2017
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12:59 pm
Hi Kevin! Love your podcast! Going to follow your lead and try treating my son's warts with propolis. (warty)Fingers crossed! This week, I've started stinging my left knee for arthritis - hurts at first, but 1/2 hour later my knee feels great. Time will tell. Thanks for all the work you do -
wrote on September 8, 2017
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11:30 am
Hi from Australia!
With my first nucleus arriving next month (October, which is spring in Australia) I'd been trying out lots of beekeeping podcasts to brush up on what I'd learned this past winter in a weekend-long beekeeping course. I am also from NJ (Chester) although my family and I now live in the hills outside Adelaide, South Australia. I'm really enjoying your podcast, the music, and your style of presenting. Many thanks for all the excellent information. I have two bits of feedback, if you're interested: I listen to a lot of podcasts, getting ready for work in the morning and on my long commute to work and home. I really appreciate when podcasts alot their music segments or ads either 15 or 30 second time slots, so that one can skip over them if they want to, without missing any of the podcast itself. Not sure if this makes sense. Also, I find that while your music plays in stereo, things go mono when you speak. You may have fixed this in your later episodes which I haven't gotten to. Anyway, just friendly feedback. Keep up the great work and I look forward to following you as I catch up to your most recent episodes. Kind regards from the land down under, Danielle Duvoisin
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. As you move along in the episodes you will notice that I evolved the podcast and moved away from the music and corrected the mono problem. Someday I may go back and remix the older episodes if I can find the time but know that as you move along in the catalog you'll find that I became more savvy about producing a podcast and corrected/updated a few things. Again, thanks for taking the time to check in and good luck!
wrote on July 28, 2017
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1:01 pm
Hello Kevin, I've been downloading your podcasts for about 9 months now and listening to them on the way to work. I thought I should offer my gratitude for your efforts. I downloaded quite a few back episodes and have been working my way up. I'm about 6 episodes from being up to speed. I currently have 11 hives in Wake Forest, NC and a 3rd yr. beekeeper, NC certified about a year ago. I sell honey and make about 8 varieties of mead as well.
Anyway, thanks for keeping me company on the way to work! I am always reading books, publications and perusing podcasts to become a better beekeeper.
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Hi David. Thanks for checking in. Glad you have found the effort worthwhile and I appreciate you taking the time to check in and share.
wrote on July 17, 2017
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2:06 pm
Hello Kevin, Just found your site! Tremendous amount of work you have put in, really nice site. I am just going through and exploring it now. Thanks for all the info, was especially interested in making a log hive. Also was wondering if other bee keepers in my area are making trips to Mann Lake bee supply? Thanks for a great informative site!
Dave + Ann
wrote on May 16, 2017
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6:34 pm
Build a pvc hive stand. With 12" cross pieces. There's more like 16 - 2" pieces, vers 12 of them. Although 1-3/4" would have worked because the sockets are about 7/8" deep.
According to the drawing, the front and rear cross pieces are different lengths. 11" and 12"
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Hmm, so sorry that was wrong. I'll correct the information. You are of course right and I'm not clear how that was posted incorrectly for all this time without someone taking the time like you did to jot me off a note.
I mostly cut the shims ad-hoc while I do it and don't use instructions any more so without some guidance I would not have known.
wrote on April 29, 2017
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9:51 pm
Hi Kevin, Love the podcast. Thank you for all the work you do to put the podcast out.
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Thanks Brian taking the time to stop by and leave a note. Much appreciated.
wrote on April 21, 2017
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7:15 am
My daughter Lilly and I are still enjoying your podcast. We have three hives now and I just noticed on your "about" page that you are a sim racer. That was funny because I have raced online with the old papyrus games since the days of 56k in the late 1990s. I am on iracing now and see that you are too! Small world!
Thanks again for the podcast.
Jamie Privette
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Cool cool cool. I go back to the original 'offline' racing days with NASSCAR.com (still there). Did we ever race together? It is an interesting question to ponder. I was the 39 AMSOIL sponsored car throughout my tenure. I used to have a sponsorship from the AMSOIL company after I wrote a proposal. Did some trade shows and everything for them. Ever race on RLMtv?
wrote on April 20, 2017
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1:42 am
Much like binge watching episodes of Netflix back to back seasons of a person's favorite show, I've managed to listed to 23 episodes over the past week. Really enjoy hearing your progress over the first few years. Looking forward to listening the the rest of your podcasts Kevin. Keep up the great work
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
23 in a week, that's damn cool.
wrote on April 15, 2017
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10:32 pm
Kevin. Re. your 11 April bit about warm versus cold configuration, a number of us are using the warm approach in our part of Canada where we have long, fluctuating cold-wet winters and springs. But it's using the D.E. Hive modified vent kit with its very British style hive stand/landing board. David Eyre is British immigrant living in Ontario for 30+ years and now semi-retired from beekeeping. He makes certain claims about how his approach to ventilation boosts honey production, which are unproven here. https://www.beeworks.com/mod-kit-details/ He runs his frames warm in 11 frame square boxes, but the mod kit is for vent box, outer cover, inner cover, and hive stand for Langstroth dimensions.
My Google searches have produced no robust evidence supporting the merits of one way over the other, but you will find endless debate on the subject on the internet. I have yet to find a peer-reviewed study of air circulation within hives in relation to colony thermoregulation and health that compares these different approaches. In any event, those of who are using the D.E. mod kit are happy with it. I like working the hive from the back, and I use circular rapid feeders which are very easy to fill without disturbing the ladies. Take note of the ventilation in his inner covers. You can e-mail me if you want more info on this. I enjoy your shows! Keep up the good work! Thank you.
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Great share, never knew about it. Thanks so much for sharing it. I'm going to dig in and make it an upcoming Topic.
wrote on April 14, 2017
at
11:51 am
Hi Kevin,
I'm listening to your podcast in Canada and although our climates vary I have absorbed a wonderful amount of knowledge from your podcasts.
I will be getting my first honeybees this may, 2 hives of Carnolian bees. I'm excited and a little broke now, having made all my purchases over the winter for the setup. I'm hoping they like it here as we are within flying range to a huge cranberry marsh and we also have a huge flower garden, vegetable garden and fruit trees.
I look forward to the podcast all week! It's great to have you as a mentor of sorts.
Julie
wrote on April 14, 2017
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2:02 am
Just a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate your efforts. New to beekeeping and lost my one hive last year to yellow jackets, but looking forward to beginning this year with three nucs that should be ready any time now.
wrote on April 12, 2017
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1:18 am
Hi Kevin, my 3rd year UIB. ( under the influence of bees) Been listening to your podcast over a year, enjoy all the info, ideas & music. Your discussion about British National hives in Ep. 108 made me realize a mistake I may have made. 1st year I tried a Top Bar but modified it to accept frames lengthwise. Mostly deep frames with mediums close to the sloped edge and a couple TB at the edge & a top cover. Then continued with TB as normal. Amazingly the bees had no problem with the change in direction. But I see now that compared to the National Hive, you might say it was set up "the cold way ". My TB failed during a mild 2015 winter at 1200 ft elevation in the Sierra foothills. I've decided to use standard Langstroth hives and last year multiplied 3 hives into 6. My TB acts as a swarm trap. I would send some pics of the TB mod. but can't find your email / contact listed on your website. Keep up the good work. Keith
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
UIB, love it. My email address is kevin@bkcorner.org. I'll have to fix the obscurity of my contact info.
wrote on March 31, 2017
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6:34 pm
Hey Kevin! Glad to see our group seems to have found the podcast! I have been mentioning it at every meeting and including it in our club communications. Keep up the good work!