Latshaw Apiaries 

Latshaw Apiaries has a vast array of experience with applied breeding programs as well as genetic theory developed to guide such programs.  It is my opinion that honey bees are certainly capable and fascinating creatures, and readily respond to selection practices provided that beekeepers work within the genetic and environmental limitations provided to the bees.  In other words, we as beekeepers should have reasonable expectations for honey bees and understand there is a complex interaction between the genetics of the honey bee and the environment.

I employ a closed population at Latshaw Apiaries in the sense that instrumental insemination is utilized to control matings.  However, it is a fluid population as well.  Genetic diversity is a cornerstone of honey bee genetics and for that reason, we are constantly searching for new genetic material to add to our population.  Correspondingly, I remove queen families from the population that do not meet my expectations.  

Simplicity in design allows for more realistic breeding goals to be met.  Rather than focusing on specific traits that are highly refined, a small number of encompassing characteristics are utilized as the selection criteria for this population. 

Ralph Sturgeon, a poultry geneticist, once wrote, "start where you are with what you have"  This quote was actually the title from a small book he wrote.  The contents of the book were not earth shattering with regard to the principles, but rather a reiteration of basic concepts about breeding and selection we as breeders often forget.  As beekeepers and bee breeders, we cannot develop new genes within our strains, but we can however, mold and shape the genetic makeup of the population at hand.  All of the genetic potential is already present within the population or can be added by obtaining additional stock that exhibits some desirable characteristic.  We as breeders are then charged with the task of accurately and reliably measuring the traits to be selected for or against.  Keep in mind that there are hundreds, perhaps thousands or traits that can be measured, but current research is revealing that many traits are perhaps regulated by a relatively small number of underlying characteristics.

For the aforementioned reasons, I prefer to emphasize the selection of relatively few characteristics .  This may seem like a simplified approach and perhaps it is, but the desired outcome is a healthy and productive bee that is a pleasure to work with.

Selected characteristics include, but are not limited to:

Survivability (Encompasses disease/mite resistance and wintering)

Gentle Temperament

Honey Production

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Last modified: 02/29/08

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