This year I was able to graft early April. But it was unusually good weather. I generally don't promise new queens until end of May/first part of June, but they
could be earlier.
I'll have overwintered queens too, but can't let them go until I can produce some cells to take over the colonies.
Most of the overwintered queens will be sold in nucs. A few sold as breeder queens.
Supplys are limited & need to get paypal and a system set up for keeping everyone straight. I was overwhelmed with messages, emails and phone calls this year from folks wanting queens. My facebook page is the only advertising I use other than word of mouth. The facebook page is more for information than advertising.
USPS priority shipping worked
great this year. All packages arrived on time and in great shape. Only one package lost and USPS paid up the insurance claim within a in reasonable time frame.
My scheduling is better and I am more confident in my ability to reliably produce on predetermined schedules, which will make prepaying and ordering more organized and less confusing for me.
I'd place an ad here on Beesource, but can't accomodate that many many people. I have been overwhelmed with the demand without advertising.
I now have queens in Tennessee, Minnesota, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Idaho & Montana. I have several customers in Minnesota, which will be a great test of their hardiness. Possibly an even better test than Alaska.
A spot of hot melt holds the cages securely to the shipping box. Special recipe candy is working great for good health and less stress.
My bees are doing a great job for me
