Bodhi Bee Farms is an Authorized Distributor of Olivarez Honey Bees. See our Olivarez Honey Bees Page for more information
Golden West Queens represent one of the most promising real-world efforts to reduce beekeeper dependence on chemical mite treatments β driven by performance, not marketing claims.
These queens trace back to a remarkable untreated colony discovered in 2017 that maintained zero mite counts. From that single hive, Randy Oliver launched a rigorous selective breeding program focused entirely on natural mite tolerance. To learn more about Randy and the development of the Golden West Queen, visit ScientificBeekeeping.comΒ or https://www.ohbees.com/products/golden-west-queens-randy-oliverΒ
Today, breeder queens are chosen only from colonies that demonstrate:
Low mite loads without synthetic miticides
Gentle temperament
Strong colony health
Above-average honey production
Proven strength for almond pollination
Golden West queens are bred based on results in demanding migratory operations, not cosmetic traits. Color variation is intentionally preserved as a sign of healthy genetic diversity.
Each season, thousands of mite washes guide breeding decisions. Colonies showing the strongest natural tolerance become the parents of the next generation. By 2023, some yards saw over 50% of colonies maintaining mite levels below 2% all season β without treatments.
While genetics are still being refined, even partially tolerant colonies typically require fewer interventions, saving time, money, and stress on your bees.
Through a partnership with Olivarez Honey Bees, Golden West Queens are produced in isolated mating yards using Oliver drones β combining controlled genetics with hybrid vigor. This allows Randyβs team to focus on breeding progress while OHB delivers production queens to beekeepers nationwide.
β Certified free from Africanized genetics
β Certified free from Small Hive Beetle
As your authorized local distributor, Bodhi Bee Farms provides hands-on guidance and queens we proudly use in our own apiaries.