Is it possible to breed a Northern local honey bee?

Back from a long video hiatus with some thoughts on local adaptation in honey bees. The temperatures were cold and the bees didn't give a rippity rip - they were flying anyway.
Checkout The Sustainable Beekeepers Guild of Michigan: www.sbgmi.org
Need Free Honey Bee Swarm Removal: www.mibeeswarmr...
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[@mistymountaintraveladventures]

Rock on! They look so happy to be out and about! Can't wait to get going again next Spring after my back is healed fully!

[@JamesLeesBees]

Can't wait!

[@danschneider9219]

I've been making queens off the ones that get through winter the best for years now. My bees look great, haven't put a video up for a while now but you can tell from the ones I do have .

[@JamesLeesBees]

That's fantastic! I believe those who disagree with 'local' are truly in the minority. I hope the videos are more evidence of the fact than a chastisement... I'll be sure to check out your videos!

[@lambbrookfarm4528]

I had an over wintered swarm catch colony. A friend gave me a Carni package with a 'northern' queen, and they were from Georgia. Those Georgia peaches waited for the temps to rise another 5-10 f degrees before they would become active. Local is real.

[@JamesLeesBees]

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear you have a similar experience!

[@ceej2739]

I firmly believe local gives a leg-up for year-over-year survival. Many of the first-year failure stories I hear start with an out-of-state nuc or (especially) package. I just split up a colony that came through its third winter after struggling a bit last summer. Preliminary wash numbers were disappointing, but something is helping them survive so we soldier on for now.

[@JamesLeesBees]

I have found in my own apiaries that the 3rd year queens - be it age - but moreso size - are more mature and fast-growing. They will inevitably take on larger mite/viral loads. That 3rd season will really test a queens mettle. Thanks for watching and offering your feedback!