Apiculture Extension at Penn State

09/04/2026

Looking forward to the 2027 expo!

We’re happy to have Robyn Underwood back with us for Bee Expo 2027!

Robyn received her BSc in Entomology and Applied Ecology from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Entomology from the University of Manitoba. As Penn State’s Extension Educator of Apiculture, she conducts scientifically sound research projects to study beekeeper-applied questions and brings the results of the projects to the beekeepers through extension products then improves the industry while making beekeeping a more successful venture. Her research program focuses on honey bee health and practical beekeeping considerations. Specifically, she is studying the impacts of honey bee colony management and queen origin on colony health and productivity. Her ongoing projects include experiments that assess the practical implications of different types of beekeeping philosophies, performance of honey bee queens from various genetic lines, and how different types of feed impact honey bee health. These ongoing projects have been extramurally funded (totaling almost $3 million) and have generated several extension product outputs. Her research and extension aspirations work hand in hand. Conducting scientifically sound research projects to study beekeeper-applied questions is critically important.

09/02/2026

🐝 Important Message to Beekeepers

Earlier this spring, current and past American Beekeeping Federation officers began discussions with Risk Management Agency (RMA) leadership regarding concerns affecting the beekeeping industry. We sincerely thank the RMA team for listening to these concerns and for their expedient and diligent response.

The Rainfall Index Insurance Standards Handbook for 2027 and Succeeding Crop Years has now been released.

ABF believes the updated handbook reflects changes that are beneficial to American beekeepers and encourages beekeepers to review the full document.

📄 Download and review the complete Rainfall Index Insurance Standards Handbook:
https://www.rma.usda.gov/policy-procedure/general-handbooks/rainfall-index-insurance-standards-handbook-6

We extend our appreciation to RMA leadership, ABF leadership past and present and everyone involved in these discussions. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the RMA team and advocating for the needs of American beekeepers.

Debbie Seib, President
Richard Coy, Vice-President
American Beekeeping Federation

08/23/2026

Alabama Extension’s At Home Beekeeping webinar series is back this month with an important topic for beekeepers.

The next webinar features Amy Vu from the University of Florida sharing expert knowledge on Honey Bees of Thailand.

Join us live Tuesday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m. Central. Hosted by Alabama Extension’s beekeeping team, the webinar will also feature a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to get answers directly from the experts.

Register today: https://www.aces.edu/go/2820

08/22/2026

Honey bee with a space!

08/19/2026

A Penn State apiarist at Ag Progress Days demonstrated how honeybee drones find the queen in order to mate.

08/14/2026

Thanks for coming, Queen Alexis!

08/07/2026

Have you attended any of our programs or presentations about Organic Honey Bee Colony Management over the years? If so, please fill out this survey! We’re excited to learn about the impacts of our work.

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

08/06/2026

07/31/2026

Sign up for “Introduction to Honey Bee Microscopy” 🔬
August 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
At St James School in East Falls
You don’t need to be experienced or a scientist to enjoy this incredible journey into the microscopic world of bees, varroa, small hive beetle vs wax moth larvae, and more ‼️

Join Dr. Robyn Underwood from Penn State Extension
for a hands-on exploration of bees and their pests. Get up close and personal with pinned worker bees, varroa mites, small hive beetle and wax moth larvae, and more. Use a dissecting microscope to understand why swiffer pads catch shb adults, how to look for tracheal mites, what is contained in bottom board debris, etc. No previous experience required.

Sign up at our events page ( 🔗 in IG bio) at phillybeekeepers.org

07/30/2026

Honey from the continental U.S. can’t currently be certified organic due to specific land requirements, but farms in the Northeast may still produce honey that is as low in pesticide residue as imported organic honeys, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State, Cornell University a...