I am trying to develop the most adapted bee for my area, using different stock. I live in northeastern PA, and wintering is a factor. The short season is a factor. I am foryunate to live on a farm, that is primarily for dairy cows, meaning mostly hay. Alfalfa and clover about every other field. Surrounding the farm, are locals with produce stands, that grow a little bit of everything. This mean, I have pollen and nector flowing almost constantly. The flows vary of course, but there is always something for the bees to do! Now, my choice of small cell queen breeding.
Now, my choice of small cell queen breeding. I started with SMRs first. I am quite happy with the mite resistance, even with daughters, and sub daughters. I added carnolians to the mix, for the quick buildup. Both produce honey around here, so that is not an issue right now. I have bees in two locations, with feral black bees, and survivor italians to mix. I recently added a Michigan mix to the stock.
Enough for queens right now, the first thing I find is getting regression down to 4.9 or smaller. I am very close with 80% of my hives. Lots of drones in the beginning, so I figure I had some control in the mating. Alot of culling comb too. I used the mediocre comb for nucs, and I'm slowly replacing those as well.
What I hope to achieve:
1. Good brood patterns on 4.9. Was a problem in the beginning, but the daughers are getting much better.
2. Workable bees, that are not runners. I hate bees that run.
3. Gentleness is nice, but not a neccesity. I don't want bees that chase you down though!
4. Hardy bees that winter well.
I guess, I want alot of little things, but those are the major ones. I think the brood pattern is the most important thing though. I have 2 colonies that really struggled thru regession, but made it, and are exploding now. Our weather has helped this year though, so that must be taken into consideration as well. Lots of rain, produces lots of protiens in the pollen, which produces healthy bees. Time, that 4 letter dirty word! Time, time, time!
Just my opinion.
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Dale Richards
Dal-Col Apiaries
Drums, PA