All About Grafting Queens
Outcomes Learners will understand the basics of the Doolittle Method for queen bee rearing, including understanding essential equipment and key tricks for success. Key Takeaways Priming Queen Cups: Introduce grafting bars with queen cups to your queenless starter or shook swarm a day before grafting to have the cups cleaned and coated with […]
Making Splits in Place
Outcomes Learners will understand the step-by-step approach to perform a hive split using the topping method. Key Takeaways Effective Splitting Technique: Mastering the art of hive splits involves carefully selecting frames of open brood, honey, and resources from the parent colony. These frames are then transferred to an empty nuc box, setting the […]
Preparing a Mating Yard
Outcomes Learners will be able to optimize queen rearing success by selecting an ideal mating yard, ensuring genetic diversity, wind shelter, and effective management strategies. Key Takeaways The selection of the mating yard is a critical factor in the success of queen rearing, ensuring successful mating flights and genetic diversity. Considerations include surrounding […]
All About Swarms
Outcomes Learners will be able to recognize and interpret the warning signs exhibited by bee colonies that indicate they may be preparing to swarm. Key Takeaways Swarm Prediction Essentials: Hilary Kearney shares essential insights on how to predict when bee colonies are gearing up to swarm, helping beekeepers anticipate this natural phenomenon. Recognizing […]
10 Tips for Queen Rearing
Outcomes Learners will be able to recognize key techniques and principles for successful queen rearing Key Takeaways Keep Detailed Records: Maintain thorough records of colony health, production, and behavior using either digital tools or pen and paper. This data helps you make informed decisions when selecting queen stocks. Prioritize Integrated Pest Management (IPM): […]
How to Spot a Queen
Outcomes Learners will develop strategies to spot a queen bee within the beehive, no matter how packed with bees your colony is. Key Takeaways Queen Bee Appearance: The queen bee is the largest bee in the colony. She has an elongated, pointed abdomen, a shiny and hairless back, and lighter-colored legs. Tip #1 – […]
