With over 50 years in the beekeeping industry, I have experienced all the highs and lows of beekeeping. In the late 70's and early 80's I was running over 100 colonies of bees for honey production. That was the era in which we didn't have to worry about mites, hive beetles or the other current problems associated with beekeeping. The one thing I have learned is; beekeeping is a constant learning process. Located in southwest Missouri, even with all the challenges associated with current colony management, it is a challenge we are constantly adapting and improving upon.
The many trials today in beekeeping, have led us to adapt without using harsh chemicals. We do not bring in wax from outside sources that are contaminated with miticides with known problems to bee fertility. We have been raising our queens and bees for several years now from the New World Carniolan strain because these are gentle bees that express strong hygienic traits* and we further select for those traits along with gentleness, honey production, and excellent wintering ability.
So if you want "Beekeeping Bliss", get started with the best genetic stock you possibly can, raised in the same general climate and region, so you start off your beekeeping experience with the greatest advantages possible. The rest is up to you, to learn as much as possible to manage your colonies for longevity, sustainability, and strong production.
We specialize and highly recommend using medium box size (6 5/8") throughout your beekeeping experience. And especially 8 frame equipment, as opposed to 10 frame. This will make your operations lighter to handle and a more pleasurable experience. If you use the same size frame for the brood area and your supers, you can manipulate and use the same size frame throughout the whole colony....a great advantage in your beekeeping endevour.
* I can make no claims that my bees will be so hygienic that you will not have to manage and treat for varroa mites. As more studies and knowledge is gained about mites, the viruses they vector, and how they interact with the bees and bees with the mites; I recommend you monitor your mite levels on a regular basis with an alcohol wash, treat if needed, do brood breaks, or other current and proven treatments to keep varroa mites at a level that will keep your bees healthy.
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