The Process: Nucs, Shaking, Caging, Packaging
Beekeeping is an intricate art, a dance with nature that demands precision and care. Within this fascinating world, a series of steps unfold, shapi...
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Cordovan Italian
We've been producing Italian Queens since the 30s, however, our Cordovan breeding project began in approximately 1975. Our Italians have been exclusively lighter colored Cordovans ever since, with color ranging from light yellow to rust. They have many fine qualities; the queens are very prolific, they are known for their rapid spring buildup and they are extremely gentle. They are proven to be very hygienic. Two thirds of our production is this Italian.
Carniolan
At the request of beekeepers in colder climates of the Northern states, we also produce the Carniolan cross. Our Carniolan breeders are mated in an isolated area and observed for a year prior to use in our breeding program. The Carniolan virgins are mated with our Italian drones, resulting in an excellent mix of both Italian and Carniolan traits which many customers prefer. The queen exhibits typical Carniolan overwintering behavior and her offspring possess the gentleness of our Italians.
The Koehnen Family Farming “Five” Generations
Integrity, hard work, and determination were many qualities that Carl Koehnen demonstrated in his business and in everyday life. Those qualities have been passed down through generations of our family business.
Bill Koehnen (Carl’s oldest son) passed away in 2025. He used to oversee the nuc making process and checked in daily on the day-to-day operations of the farm. His son Mike is the company president, overseeing the financial aspects of the business as well as various other business matters. His son Steven oversees and manages our almond and walnut hullers, as well as working alongside his dad, learning the overall aspects of our business.
Bob Koehnen (Carl’s youngest son), until his passing in November of 2014, oversaw the queen rearing. His wife Yvonne still sews all the beekeeping veils and sleeves for all our employees and oversees our weekly harvest lunches. Kalin, Bob’s oldest son, oversees all farming aspects of our business, and Kamron, Bob’s youngest son, oversees all beekeeping aspects of our business. Kamron’s wife Julie takes care of all the package bee and queen orders and scheduling during our bee season. Reed, Kamron’s son, manages all of our beekeepers and their daily tasks of beekeeping.
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The Art of Properly Feeding Bees
Beekeeping, an ancient practice, has evolved into a delicate science that requires an understanding of every aspect of a hive's dynamics. Central t...
Home garden: California bees for pollination
In the sun-kissed scenes of California, home cultivating rises above a leisure activity; it turns into an agreeable cooperation with nature. At the...