We are excited to bring you this packed episode. We start with Jeff talking with Becky Masterman, from the Minnesota Honey Producers Assn. about the USDA-ARS National Publication 305 (NP-305) and its importance.  Next Jeff and Kim talk with Dr. Lars Chittka about his book, The Mind of a Bee. Becky Masterman has been on the podcast before and we enjoy having her back to discuss the USDA-ARS NP-305. The NP-305 sets the research priorities for the USDA-ARS for the next five years. Right now and until August 7, the USDA-ARS is soliciting beekeeper feedback and comments on where they should focus their research funding. Unfortunately, as important as this decision is to beekeepers… relatively few beekeepers know about this comment period. Listen in as Becky helps us understand how critical this is for the next five years and what you can do to help! Next, Dr. Lars Chittka joins us to discuss his 2022 book, The Mind of a Bee.  Lars talks about how his research and that of many others of the honey bee has uncovered fascinating insights into their cognitive abilities, communication, and problem-solving skills. Join us as we explore the remarkable world of bees and gain a deeper understanding of their intricate minds, the possibility of a “bee consciousness”, the essential role they play in our ecosystem and our understanding of intelligence in the animal kingdom. This is one episode you will want to listen to several times! We hope you enjoy the episode. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:  Dr. Lars Chittka's website: http://chittkalab.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/Lars.html The Mind of a Bee on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mind-Bee-Lars-Chittka/dp/0691180474 USDA-ARS NP-305 Comment Website:  https://np305.arsnet.usda.gov/ Minnesota Honey Producers News Website: https://minnesotahoneyproducers.com/news-events/ Beekeeping Today Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingtodaypodcast Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com ______________ Betterbee is the presensting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com 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 Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: [email protected] Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC