Jerry Hayes on Honey Bee Health, Science, and Industry Change (341)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Jerry Hayes, renowned honey bee advocate, author, and researcher, for a wide-ranging conversation on bee health, industry change, and the future of beekeeping. Drawing from decades of experience—from inspecting colonies in the field to influencing corporate and regulatory policy—Jerry shares what he’s learned about building bridges between science, beekeepers, and the broader agricultural world.

The discussion touches on Jerry’s roles across the beekeeping ecosystem—from his early days as Florida’s Chief Apiary Inspector to leadership positions at Monsanto, Vita Bee Health and now, Bee Culture Magazine. He reflects on lessons learned while advocating for honey bees in spaces that didn’t always understand their value, and how science communication and transparency have become central to his mission.

Jerry also shares insights into how beekeeping has changed, what’s needed to better support bees in today’s agricultural systems, and the role of products like oxalic acid and other treatment innovations. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial beekeeper, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who’s seen the industry evolve from every angle.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• Bee Culture Magazine: https://beeculture.com 
  
  
• 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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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! 

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

 

Thanks to Dalan who is dedicated to providing transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. Dalan's vaccination against American Foulbrood (AFB) is a game changer. Vaccinated queens protect newly hatched honeybee larvae against A