| SOUTHERN OREGON BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION Southern Oregon Beekeepers Association is a non-profit organization committed to education about honeybees and beekeeping and sharing this passion with our community in Southern Oregon's Jackson County and Josephine County. |
Southern Oregon Beekeepers Association
Summer Bee School
August 29, 2026 ~ 8am - 4pm
For the last 30 plus years beekeepers have been waging war on the European honey bee’s ultimate enemy the Varroa destructor mite. After the initial sweep of this devastating pest, it was estimated that only around 10% of American honeybee colonies survived. Since then, the primary mode of addressing Varroa mites has been through chemical interventions. The idea of focusing on honeybee genetics that showed Varroa resistance without chemical intervention was faced with harsh criticism...until now.
Through the investigative studies of dedicated bee researchers, we have the scientific evidence to validate the premise of Varroa resistant genetics in the European honeybee. Come join us as we take the first steps in learning about these genetics and the evidence-based science behind them, how to transition and implement these practices in your apiary, what it would look like to develop locally adapted Varroa resistant queens, and how and why commercial beekeepers can and should focus on Varroa resistant genetics in their commercial apiary.
All are welcome. We hope to see your there.
What is the hype about
Varroa Resistant Genetics?
Varroa-resistant genetics in honey bees refer to inherited, heritable traits that enable a honey bee colony to naturally limit Varroa destructor mite population growth to a level that does not cause colony mortality, often allowing them to survive without chemical treatment. These genetics are not a single gene but rather a polygenic, complex, and heritable set of traits, primarily focused on detecting and interrupting the mite reproductive cycle.
Characteristics of Resistant Colonies
- Reduced Infestation Levels: Resistant colonies maintain low levels of infested brood (typically below 4%).
- Long-Term Survival: Colonies with these genetics are able to survive for years without human intervention, such as acaricide treatment.
Distinction from Tolerance
- Resistance: Actively suppresses the reproduction and population of the mites.
- Tolerance: The ability of a colony to withstand high mite loads without dying, often without actually reducing the number of mites.
Meet the Teachers
Dr. Stephen Martin
Stephen is an Emeritus Professor at Salford University and has been studying Varroa mites for almost 40 years. He is respected internationally in the areas of Varroa biology, viral transmission, chemical ecology, and the impact of Varroa on honey bees. More recently he has travelled extensively researching the evolution of Varroa resistance. | Dr. Gary Brook
Dr. Gary Brook, a retired physician turned treatment-free beekeeper, presents compelling scientific evidence that beekeepers can successfully transition away from chemical varroa treatments. When the UK National Bee Unit told him there was "no published scientific evidence" supporting treatment-free beekeeping, he used his expertise in systematic literature reviews to explore the truth. |
Steve Riley
Steve Riley is the current Chair and Education Officer at Westerham Beekeepers, a club in the south-east of England. He is a member of the "Path to Varroa resistance in the UK" team that launched the education and science website: www.varroaresistant.uk in April 2023. He presents on "Identifying Varroa resistance Traits" to beekeeping associations around the UK, including sessions and seminars at the BBKA Spring Convention and National Honey Show. | James Lee
James Lee is the President of the Sustainable Beekeepers Guild of Michigan, a virtual educational organization with over 750 local and international members. He is also the founder of the Northern Queen Initiative and owner of James Lee's Bees in Romulus, MI where he lives with his wife Rachel and their 5 children. James manages 60-100 colonies pursuing sustainability in apiculture and produces nucs and queens with a focus on hardy Northern climate survivors selected for mite-resistance. |
Bob Binnie
Bob Binnie, along with his wife Suzette, owns Blue Ridge Honey Co. in Lakemont, Georgia, operating 2000 colonies along with a sizable honey packing operation. Voted "Beekeeper Of The Year" by the Georgia Beekeepers Association in 2003 Bob has been involved in commercial beekeeping for nearly four decades |
Contact SOBA: Email: sobavolunteers35@gmail.com Mail: P.O. Box 711 Grants Pass, OR 97528 | SOBA is an affiliate of the Oregon State Beekeepers Association |
