Honey Bees

What is a bee nuc, and how is it different from a package of bees?

A bee nuc (nucleus colony) is a fully functioning mini-hive with an active laying queen, worker bees, capped brood, honey, and pollen stores. Unlike a package of bees, which consists of loose bees with a caged queen that may or may not be accepted, a nuc is a stable, established colony that gives you a head start on hive growth.

What’s included in an Ames Farm nuc?

Each 4-frame deep Langstroth-style nuc from Ames Farm is carefully assembled to provide a strong, thriving colony. It includes a mated, laying Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) queen, which is bred for mite resistance and colony health. The four frames contain a balanced mix of capped brood, worker bees, pollen, and honey stores, ensuring that the colony has the necessary resources to continue growing. Each nuc comes in a recyclable Pro Nuc Box with a built-in feeder, making transportation easy and secure.

What’s the difference between the Spring Beekeeping Class and the Hands-On Beekeeping Class?

Ames Farm offers two different beekeeping classes in Minnesota to accommodate both beginners and experienced beekeepers. The Spring Beekeeping Class, held on April 26, 2025, in Mound, MN, is designed for those who are new to beekeeping or considering starting a hive. This class covers foundational topics such as honeybee biology, hive setup, seasonal management, pest control, and honey production. The class also includes a Q&A session and hands-on equipment inspection, making it ideal for those who want to learn best practices before purchasing their first hive.

The Hands-On Beekeeping Class, held on July 19, 2025, in Delano, MN, is intended for beekeepers who already have a hive and want practical experience working with live bees. Participants will get the opportunity to inspect hives, identify brood stages, test for Varroa mites, manage swarms, and prepare their colonies for winter. Since this class involves working directly with bees, attendees are required to bring their own bee suit, gloves, and veil for safety.

Can I take the class if I don’t have bees yet?

Yes, the Spring Beekeeping Class is designed for beginners who do not yet have a hive. Many attendees use this class to learn about beekeeping before purchasing their first bees. In fact, we offer a class and bee nuc bundle so that students can save money while preparing for their first hive. The bundle includes both the class and a 4-frame bee nuc, allowing you to apply your new knowledge immediately.

What type of queen bees do you sell?

Ames Farm sells mated VSH (Varroa Sensitive Hygiene) queen bees, which have been selectively bred for natural resistance to Varroa mites. These queens originate from VP Queens breeder stock, ensuring strong genetics and high productivity. The VSH trait allows the bees to detect and remove mite-infested brood, reducing the impact of mites without the need for chemical treatments.

How does the bee hive rental program work?

The bee hive rental program is a great option for those who want the benefits of having bees without the responsibility of hive management. When you rent a hive from Ames Farm, we provide a fully functioning colony, set it up on your property, and take care of feeding, mite treatments, and general hive maintenance throughout the season. The hive remains at your location from May to September, and we handle all aspects of management.

One of the biggest benefits of this program is that we also harvest and bottle up to 60 lbs of honey for you to enjoy. This makes hive rental an excellent choice for homeowners, gardeners, and businesses looking to support pollinators without committing to year-round beekeeping. Rentals are available within a 20-mile radius of Watertown or Delano, MN.

What is hive overwintering, and why is it important?

Hive overwintering is a service designed to help beekeepers in Minnesota protect their colonies during the harsh winter months. Instead of leaving your hive exposed to extreme cold, we transport it to Texas for winter, where the bees can continue foraging and building their population. This significantly increases survival rates and ensures a stronger colony in the spring.