This past week, I had the pleasure of traveling to Michigan to speak at SEMBA—the Southeastern Michigan Beekeepers Association. Established in 1934, SEMBA has a long history of educating and supporting beekeepers in their endeavors. The association offers resources such as beekeeping courses, swarm removal assistance, and connections to local beekeeping clubs. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow beekeepers and advocates for pollinators while addressing a topic that’s critical to both honey bee health and the environment: the dangers of pesticides.
I want to thank everyone involved in this meeting. It was a very well-organized event, and I truly appreciate it.
During my talk, I highlighted the hidden harm that pesticides cause to honey bee societies and human societies alike. I discussed research, regulatory issues, shared firsthand experiences from the field, and emphasized the need for a shift toward responsible pesticide research and practices that don’t jeopardize the future of our bee populations or the strength of our beautiful country. It was encouraging to see so many dedicated individuals eager to learn and take action.
Beyond the science, I also took a moment to reflect on what it means to champion these issues in America. Beekeeping, agriculture, and environmental stewardship are deeply tied to our national security and the roots that make America the successful country it is. As I spoke about the challenges we face, I also shared my sense of American pride—pride in our resilience, our willingness to tackle difficult problems, and our deep-rooted commitment to fixing problems rather than pretending they don’t exist.
It’s always inspiring to meet people who share a passion for beekeeping. The conversations I had at SEMBA reinforced the importance of education and action in making meaningful change. I left Michigan feeling hopeful and motivated, and I look forward to continuing these discussions across the country.
If you attended the event, I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you couldn’t make it, stay tuned—there will be more opportunities to connect soon. Thanks for following me along the way.
If you are a premium member of this newsletter, please find below my next video firsthand, where I present research suggesting that changes in the gut microbiome could be responsible for honey bee behavior changes and other photos of the michigan event. Thanks for your financial support.
