Beekeeping Today

“There are many books to help conquer the learning curve of starting colonies of honey bees. This one is especially helpful. Top Beekeeping Today podcasters Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman patiently and expertly guide us through the first year of setting up a bee hive and inspecting and managing honey bees for an entire seasonal cycle. Written in clear and understandable terms, it feels like they are present with us every step of the way, holding our hand as we begin our beekeeping journey. A delightful, practical, very helpful introduction to the art and science of beekeeping.”–Dewey M. Caron, content and communications specialist, Oregon Master Beekeeper Program, Oregon State University
“Beekeeping Today is a comprehensive how-to that lays out the steps to becoming a beekeeper in an easy-to-digest timeline, taking readers from cautiously curious through their second spring season. But my favorite part of the book is the firsthand experiences Becky and Jeff sprinkle throughout, documenting their individual journeys as beekeepers. Beekeeping is notorious for having many different approaches, and these personal anecdotes reflect the varied philosophies and practices that make the craft both challenging and rewarding.”–Tara Chapman, Two Hives Honey
“Beekeeping Today is just what a new beekeeper needs and its clear, easy-to-understand style will help you build a proper foundational understanding of bees and your role as beekeeper. Jeff and Becky have already helped so many through the Beekeeping Today Podcast, and this book is a fitting next step on their journey to help the world of beekeepers.”–Kamon Reynolds, founder of the North American Honey Bee Expo

Jeff Ott

Jeff Ott is a master beekeeper certified by the University of Montana and the Washington State Beekeepers Association. He is also the co-founder and co-host of the internationally recognized Beekeeping Today podcast. Jeff began keeping honey bees as a child, inspired by an observation hive in his bedroom. He has managed colonies for honey production and local pollination, and has served in leadership roles within regional beekeeping associations, including as past president of the Medina County Beekeepers Association in Ohio. Through Growing Planet Media, Jeff produces the Beekeeping Today podcast and Honey Bee Obscura, blending science, storytelling, and practical experience to support beekeepers at every stage. He has written for American Bee Journal, was a regular contributor to Bee Culture, and contributes to The Beekeeper’s Quarterly, a UK-based beekeeping journal. Jeff is based in Olympia, Washington, where he continues to educate and connect the beekeeping community through speaking, writing, and media.

Becky Masterman

Becky Masterman received a PhD studying honey bee hygienic behavior in Dr. Marla Spivak’s University of Minnesota Bee Lab. She led the UMN Bee Squad from 2013 to 2020 and currently supports the Minnesota Extension Apiculture Program with honey bee sampling, teaching beekeeping, and writing about management. Becky has had a monthly Bee Culture magazine column since 2020 and has been the co-host of the Beekeeping Today podcast since 2024. She is active in the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, having served as a former board member and currently chairing their Habitat Committee. Becky manages over seventy colonies in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.

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