It’s always a good day when it’s spent in the bee yard with our friends Marlene and Jim.

We joined the beekeeping pair on some hive inspections after their bees returned from the California almond orchards, and, boy, do things look hopeful for the upcoming season!

Marlene Boernsen and her partner, Jim, of Sioux River Bees run about 450 hives near Milford, Iowa. Marlene is the President of the Northwest Iowa Beekeepers Club and has been educating and supplying bees and equipment to local beekeepers for many years.

Watch the full video below to learn their thoughts on splits, queen rearing, feeding, drones, and more.