🐝 It’s officially the start of the 2026 season! While most people are prepping for Valentine’s Day, Chuck is out in the apiary focused on a different kind of labor of love: setting up the first queen cell starter of the year. This episode takes you right into the hive to configure a powerhouse starter for tomorrow's graft.

🤔 Is the "zero mite" count goal actually a total fallacy in modern beekeeping?

🧪 What is Harbo testing really telling us about genetic resistance vs. mite reproduction?

📋 How do you properly configure a queen-less bottom box while keeping the queen safe up top?

📍 Highlights in this episode:

✅ The strategy behind Valentine's Day grafting and the 2026 season kickoff

✅ Breaking down Harbo test results: Level 4 breeders vs. Level 0 resource hives

✅ Why aiming for "zero mites" might be the wrong data point to chase

✅ Step-by-step guide to shaking bees and setting up a double screen board

✅ Selecting the perfect pollen frames to fuel your nurse bees

✅ A look at custom 3D-printed gear for temperature sensors and feeders

✅ How to use a high-mite, untreated colony as a strong cell starter

🎙️ We want to hear your take on the mite count controversy! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more deep dives into sustainable apiary management. #QueenRearing #Beekeeping #VarroaResistance #ApiaryLife #SustainableBeekeeping #HarboTesting