Our operation consists of mainly Carniolan (Karnica) and Buckfest breeds of honeybees. We try to look for the hardiest and strongest breeds of bees that can survive the long winters in Wisconsin.
The characteristics we look for are:
-Low varroa mite counts
-Bees that will reduce population sizes in the fall
- Bees that form small, tight clusters to maintain heat during the cold months
-Bess that do not consume large amounts of honey which would lead to starvation
- Bees that are big honey producers
-Gentle or "mild" natured bees
Every year we are constantly learning something new with our operation. Mother Nature, the bees, and even us as beekeepers are always changing which makes each year new and a challenge. At the end of every year we sit down to assess the things we did right and wrong along with what goals we have for our operation in the new year.
Beekeeping is hard and can be very tough at times, but it is also extremely rewarding. Like many other industries in agriculture, beekeeping is a lifestyle that you learn and adapt to.
At a beekeeping conference, a speaker once said "those of you who have bees in the north have the advantage of mother nature weeding out your weakest hives so only the strongest make it through." We have found this to be true in our experiences. If you can get bees through the the winter, once the dandelions start to bloom, you will have a difficult time keeping those bees in your boxes!