Agate Honey Bees

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

Dropping cells...again on fresh divides. Lots of new 2026 gentle dark stripe Queens flying back. Thankful for recent rains, especially after the level 2 evac just a few days ago.
Whew just 3 weeks till summer solstice, June 21. Big thing for the bee year. Have a great weekend. Harvey and Risa.

05/26/2026

Grafting for success. Risa Rarick Halpin paid attention to selecting certain traits in Queen production. There are many..gentleness, overwintering, breaking cluster early, honey production, propolis making and swarm resistance. Non swarmy behavior while building huge populations. We are now Grafting from our breeder colonies who are showing low mite numbers after washing . This will be big.. something we can give our bee community when we retire.

05/25/2026

Way too close....now level two for us...

05/23/2026

Agate desert food. This frame of pollen stopped Risa in her tracks. We both admired the diversity of pollen, all colors! So important to have good protein. Quality
Protein equals very well nourished hives.

05/14/2026

Caucasian Queen acceptance. Yes we have queens, local pick up, $45 each. We recommend replacing old swarm queens with a well mated 2026 one. These are quality genetics.

05/09/2026

Del Rio vineyard is kind to host us. This location gives the girls access to a target rich environment along the Rogue river corridor. Always grateful for collaboration with a major land owner. Thank you

05/08/2026

Sweet nectar. May 8th, we've broken these hives down making increases in our operation. Still having to undersuper some of our 2025 queens. These girls have worked hard last honey season and came out of winter large by February 1st this year. Giving it all in the spring of 2026. Grateful for the quality grafting Risa Rarick Halpin has been doing for over a decade. Genetics, low virus levels and excellent forage matters. Have a great weekend 😀

05/06/2026

Shake...yes indeed! Caucasian queens...why yes we have those as well. If you're interested in a well mated queen, I just filled the bank today. Selling a limited number, first come first served, cash only please $45. Local pick up Central Point. Hey, pays to read!!