Beekeeping Education and the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab with Amy Vu (395)

Education remains one of the most powerful tools available to beekeepers, and few people exemplify that mission better than Amy Vu. As Extension Coordinator for the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab, Amy oversees one of the country's premier Master Beekeeper Programs, co-hosts Two Bees in a Podcast, develops online educational resources, and helps translate university research into practical information for beekeepers everywhere. In this episode, Amy shares her journey from agronomy and soils science to becoming one of the nation's leading honey bee educators. Along the way, she discusses how Extension programs help bridge the gap between research and everyday beekeeping while supporting everyone from beginning hobbyists to commercial operators. Jeff, Becky, and Amy also explore her recent educational expedition to Thailand, where participants studied native honey bee species, observed Tropilaelaps mites in their natural environment, and practiced strict biosecurity measures designed to reduce the risk of introducing invasive pests into North America. The conversation continues with an update on the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab, including Bee College, the Florida Master Beekeeper Program, ongoing research under Dr. Cameron Jack, and the future of the laboratory following Jamie Ellis' transition. Finally, Amy discusses Florida's successful "Leveling Up" initiative, a USDA-supported program helping hobbyist beekeepers build sustainable businesses through business planning, marketing, branding, and value-added hive products. Whether you're managing two colonies or two thousand, this episode offers practical insight into how education, research, and collaboration continue strengthening modern beekeeping Websites from the episode and others we recommend: University of Florida Bee Lab: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive