Beat those mites with Russian bees.
| Russian Honeybee Breeders Association, Inc is an industry based organization
whose primary purpose is to maintain and improve the genetic lines of Russian
honeybees through propagation and selective breeding. We currently have
15 members who are maintaining, and improving, eighteen separate lines
which are divided into three separate blocks. These blocks are designated
as blocks A, B, and C. Each member has been assigned 2 lines within one
of the three blocks. Each member is responsible for annually reproducing
populations of their lines for evaluation. Colonies are evaluated on many
factors but the most important are, improving resistance to varroa mites,
maintaining resistance to tracheal mites and increasing honey production.
Other selection criteria such as incidence of brood disease and Nosema
levels are also considered. The best queens from selected colonies are
used as breeders for the next generation.. . While the main focus of this association is to maintain and improve the Russian honeybee several members do sell queens. Remember when you purchase queens you are buying them from the individual not the association. The RHBA does not sell queens and breeder stock that, in the past, was sold by Charlie Harper is no longer available to the public. Be aware that only members of the association who are certified offer queens and/or bees for sale. This certification assures you the customer that our products are produced according to our strict standards and that you are receiving the best possible Russian honeybees available. Membership of this organization ranges from large commercial operations to sideliners with only a few years experience. Each member has his own business plan. Some are only interested in maintaining the stock for their current and future use, while others aspire to become large queen producers. In 2009 only 6 members offered queens and/or nucs for sale. Supply for 2010 is limited and most producers report that they are booked for the year. Our organization is led by President Hubert Tubbs, Vice President Steven Coy, Secretary and Treasurer Charles Harper, Past President Manley Bigalk and additional members to the Board of Directors, Ray Revis and Bob Brachman. |
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