Midwest Honey Bee Expo - Panel Discussion: Building Your Business (373) — Beekeeping Today Podcast

At the 2026 Midwest Honey Bee Expo, Jeff and Becky briefly introduce a live business-focused panel before turning the conversation over to experienced beekeepers representing different scales of operation, including Kamon Reynolds, John Hill and MHBE Co-Founder, Doug Koltermann.

The discussion centers on the realities of running a beekeeping operation in today's environment. Panelists address audience questions about profitability, input costs, labor, equipment investment, overwintering losses, and adapting management strategies in response to market and environmental pressures.

From hobbyist beekeepers considering growth to sideliners and commercial operators evaluating margins, the panel offers candid insight into what it takes to keep colonies healthy while maintaining a sustainable business model. The exchange highlights how regional challenges, varroa pressure, and fluctuating honey markets shape decision-making at every level.

Recorded live on the Expo floor, this episode captures both the practical concerns and collaborative spirit of the beekeeping community. Whether you're running a few colonies or several thousand, the conversation offers perspective on navigating risk, managing costs, and planning for the seasons ahead.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Midwest Honey Bee Expo: https://www.midwesthoneybeeexpo.com

Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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