Birds and the Bees: What the birds aren't telling you.
All about drones and their impact on beehive health.

Niki Backes, Presenter

Niki is the Co-Owner and Operator of Harmony Hives, LLC, a Michigan‑based top bar beekeeping and pollination company rooted in sustainable practices, hands‑on education, and community partnership. With more than two decades of global beekeeping experience across Europe, South America, and Africa, Niki brings a uniquely broad perspective to honey bee health, hive management, and the future of pollination services.

She holds a Commercial Beekeeping Certificate from the University of Montana and has built her career around strengthening grower–beekeeper relationships, improving hive health outcomes, and supporting beekeeping programs worldwide. In addition to running Harmony Hives, Niki serves as the Michigan State Lead for Hives for Heroes and the Ugandan Project manager at Bees Abroad, where she helps advance pollinator education and community‑based beekeeping initiatives.

Niki is passionate about making beekeeping accessible, science‑driven, and sustainable. Her work spans commercial pollination, honey production, nonprofit development, and international training programs—all grounded in a deep commitment to healthier bees and more resilient agricultural systems.