Mission statement:

To build a network of bee breeders who will contribute queens, breeding knowledge, and goodwill, towards building a northern pool of bee genetics.

To allow queen producers to build a diverse queen pool of quality genetics from within their own region.

Why form the NSQBA? What is the purpose?

The idea for NSQBA is to help the growing segment of northern breeders come together and work as a unit to be better breeders, share ideas, exchange genetics, strengthen the genetic pool, allow the beekeeping community to buy from northern stock, and maintain a genetic pool unaffected by AHB, both now and in the future.

NSQBA membership benefits:

NSQBA members are encouraged to participate in the yearly queen exchange. This allows an exchange of genetics to deal with inbreeding, and other breeding concerns. Confidential feedback and evaluation from other breeders allows each breeder to benefit and obtain valuable guidance and support. NSQBA members are a core group of breeders that are faced with the same type problems, and thus gain knowledge and learn from each other.

NSQBA benefits to Customers:

Knowing you are selecting a breeder who is striving to achieve the highest quality queens and genetics, based on northern selection criteria. NSQBA members are working to deal with northern breeding issues by maintaining breeding stock in the north. NSQBA members are also dedicated in keeping AHB genetics out of the breeding pool.

What states are included?

Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Mass., Conn., R.I., N.Y., Pa., Oh., Ill., Ind., Mich., Minn., Iowa, Wisc., N.D., S.D., Neb., Mont., Idaho, Wyoming. Breeders outside this area will be considered on a individual basis. The states were selected for over-wintering climate zones, proximity to AHB territory, and other factors. Some states were excluded based on these considerations. (* Any beekeeper outside this area can order queens and bees from the association members)

If you are a breeder interesting in finding out more about the NSQBA programs and membership, please contact Mike Thomas at 717-938-0444 or a NSQBA member near you.

We encourage beekeepers to call upon the NSQBA membership for all your queen needs. Many members also provide nucs and additional products.