Discover the vital role honeybees play in pollination, agriculture, and our food supply in this episode of Monday Moments. Host Suzanne Rajczi sits down with beekeeper Michael
Vlei Forge Apiary, in Rhinebeck, NY, to explore the fascinating world of beekeeping in the Hudson Valley.

From hive structure and bee lifecycles to raw honey production and pollination economics, this episode breaks down how bees impact everything from local farms to global food systems. Michael shares his journey from professional horseshoer to beekeeper, along with insights on hive management, swarming, winter survival, and transporting bees for crop pollination.

We also dive into major threats facing honeybees today, including pesticides, habitat loss, weather changes, and varroa mites—plus how organic beekeeping practices can help.
If you’ve ever wondered how bees make honey, how to start beekeeping, or why bees are essential to agriculture, this episode is for you.



TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
02:45 Western Honeybee Basics
04:41 Pollination Economics
06:27 How Bees Navigate Home
09:45 Bee Life Cycle Explained
13:37 Winter Survival and Feeding
15:43 Swarming and Space Management
17:29 Hive Architecture Tour
20:28 Queen Marking and Stings
24:43 Hudson Valley Nectar Flows
29:17 Fairground Apiary and Organic Care
31:03 Mites and Bee Biosecurity
34:21 Dutchess County Fair
38:03 Bee Stressors and Habitat
40:00 Starting Beekeeping Tips
46:04 Real Honey vs Adulteration
49:10 Harvesting and Bottling Honey
50:59 Honey Varieties and Judging
56:45 Comb Honey and Wax
58:44 Helping Bees at Home
01:00:40 Stings and Protective Gear