For the second year running Shipston Beekeepers have a Queen Rearing Group running. The aim is to help members produce their own queens, using a variety of methods, as local queens are the best queens.
The Group is co-ordinated by Graham Franklin with David blower MB providing advice and guidance.
The inaugural meeting was on 23rd March with 8 attendees in total
There have been a couple of meetings since then when attendees discussed the different methods of queen rearing – and started to use their chosen method.
One technique is ‘grafting’ which is the transfer of selected larvae from a donor colony into artificial cups from which new queens will be raised. David Blower held a workshop at the training apiary on Friday 05 May for those interested in trying the technique.
Graham Franklin reports:
‘Myself, Simon and Ray had an excellent practical tutorial from David on the art of grafting using a couple of selected frames from the Association apiary to practice with.
Although tricky to spot the right age larva, scoop them up and then deposit them in a plastic cell cup we all had a good go and give us confidence to try it again for real. It was great to see the kit we need and the various options for grafting tools.
Like many things it will require practice. I’m looking to graft in next week or so once temperatures rise properly.
Thanks a lot David!’
