Episode Details

In this milestone 350th episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Vikki Atkinson of Pennsylvania to share her deep experience managing over 100 Top-Bar hives.

Vikki walks listeners through the unique design of Top-Bar hives, from follower boards and shims to the angled sides that encourage natural comb building. She explains how handling bars like a "steering wheel" prevents comb breakage, and why level placement is critical to success. With candor and clarity, she outlines both the advantages—lighter lifts, less colony disturbance, and beautiful natural comb—and the challenges, including cross-comb management and the lack of standardized equipment.

The discussion ranges from honey harvest methods (from crush-and-strain to using extractors with creative adaptations) to overwintering strategies with rigid insulation, to managing Varroa through genetics, VSH queens, and careful testing. Vikki shares how she transitioned from a beginner fascinated by Les Crowder's book to running a thriving Top-Bar operation and mentoring others.

Whether you're curious about trying a Top-Bar hive, or simply want fresh insights into honey bee biology beyond Langstroth boxes, this conversation offers practical lessons, inspiration, and a celebration of the diversity of modern beekeeping.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• Wes Crowder's Book on Top-Bar Beekeeping: https://amzn.to/3K7bfpW
• 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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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 recycle