Our October 8 meeting will focus on Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) genetics, another weapon to combat the varroa mite. Clint Brooks of Brooks Mill Apiaries will be speaking about VSH genetics, his breeding program and the art and science of queen rearing. His focus will be on practical queen production and colony management to have healthier, more varroa resistant colonies. He will address why beekeepers are interested in VSH genetics and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using VSH queens?
Clint Brooks has been keeping bees for 11 years, with hands-on experience managing upwards of 400 colonies throughout that time. Based in Oakboro, North Carolina, Clint has spent over a decade specializing in queen rearing and nuc (nucleus colony) production, and has worked with Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) genetics for more than 10 years — work he continues to actively pursue today. His experience spans the full scope of colony management, from raising and evaluating queens to building strong, sustainable nucs suited to the region’s climate and forage conditions.
Our OCBA meeting will be held at the Orange County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension located at 1020 US Highway 70 West in Hillsborough beginning at 6:00 p.m. with appetizers and desserts provided by the members. Clint will speak at 7:00 p.m. and our meeting will conclude with a brief coverage of business topics.