Spring Buildup

Producing a substantial surplus requires fast build up during the cool, wet springs of SE Pennsylvania. Honey producing hives must have plenty of foraging bees by early May. This is our main flow and it hits hard for about 2 months. Most years the honeyflow comes to screeching halt by early July, usually do to lack of rain. By now you should understand I need strong hives early. Therefore Yule's Apiaries places spring buildup as a top ranking characteristic when breeding honeybees. I know many may cringe, and expect survival to be listed number one. I expect big things from my bees! Producing nucs, queens and honey requires thriving not just surviving bees.

Overwintering

Another characteristic equally as important as spring build up is overwintering. Overwintering and spring buildup work hand in hand. In most cases you must first have colonies that come out of winter strong, before you can get strong colonies. Breeder queens are selected only from the finest overwintered colonies.

Productivity

Production is the main concern for those trying to make a living from bees. Therefore strict requirements are imposed on our potential breeders. Selection of breeders from hives that produce nucs and honey helps keep these genectics in our yards. A hive that cannot overwinter well, and lags behind in spring will not be productive in our operation.