Kirk has been keeping bees for over 50 years and has not treated for varroa since 2002. His methods are inspired by his experiences with organic farming. Kirk’s approach to varroa is very hands off. He maintains the colonies by producing nucs that he overwinters. Apart from some issues resulting from modern agriculture, Kirk feels as though his beekeeping experience at present is almost the same as before he first came across varroa.
You can read more about Kirk's work here https://kirkwebster.com/
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This podcast is proudly brought to you by Brent Nixon at Nixon Queen Bees in Ballarat Australia.
Email Brent at brent@nixonqueenbees.com.au
www.nixonqueenbees.com.au
3:52 Why people should raise their own queens
4:58 Kirk’s start raising queens
8:04 Kirk’s mating nucs
10:50 Beekeeping at Buckfast Abbey
11:34 Feeding mating nucs
16:18 Early experiencing with selective breeding
19:11 Selection for varroa
23:57 Starting the treatment free route
26:45 Nucs that survived winter
28:28 Survivor stock
29:29 Last treatment in 2002
31:47 Mite counts
35:02 Open apiary