Bonus Short - Midwest Honey Bee Expo Interviews: Beekeepers and Innovations (Part 1)

At the Midwest Honey Bee Expo, beekeeping innovators share breakthrough tools and insights that are transforming modern beekeeping. David Burns reveals a critical but often overlooked truth: many hive failures aren’t due to poor queen introduction, but because bees aren’t truly queenless—leading to rejection of new queens. He emphasizes the need to confirm true queenlessness before introducing a new queen, a simple yet powerful fix that could save thousands of beekeepers from unnecessary losses. Amanda Stoltz of Broodbinder unveils the next evolution of hive monitoring: moving beyond data visualization to actionable AI-driven guidance. Her team is developing a 'Queen Minder' feature that uses real-time hive data—temperature, weight, and brood patterns—to automatically suggest inspections, feeding, or interventions, turning raw data into smart, timely actions. Meanwhile, Tracy Perlmire’s Hive Butler tote has become a multi-functional game-changer: a food-grade, ventilated, U.S.-made container that doubles as a safe frame carrier, uncapping tank, syrup feeder, and even a cat carrier. Designed with input from beekeepers, it solves real-world pain points like lifting heavy supers and protecting honey from contamination. Together, these innovations show a shift from reactive beekeeping to proactive, data-informed management—making beekeeping safer, easier, and more sustainable for hobbyists and pros alike.