Bob - You know, It really isn't that hard to have early queens. Thing is, you
have to raise them the summer before. Here in northern Vermont I raise my queens
in July. At that time of year there are plenty of drones, and the weather is
usually cooperative. I use 4-frame nucs, two in a hive body with a divider in
between. Start with a frame and a half of brood, a comb of honey, and one empty
comb (and of course enough bees to take care of it all). Give them a queen cell
within three days. Most will raise a queen, and be strong enough to winter.
Winter them above a strong colony. You'll be amazed how well they do. The best
will do almost as well as overwintered colonies. For example - This past May, my
nucs had 4 frames of brood when I transferred them to 10 frame equipment. 12
days later, the best had as many as 8 combs of brood. They absolutely explode
when the dandelion flow starts. This is just a good example of why I believe
that overwintering nucleus colonies is the "salvation" of the northern
beekeeping operation. Make up some nuc boxes this winter and give it a try.
                                                                Michael Palmer
                                                                St. Albans,
Vermont
Bob Harrison wrote:

> I have raised queens for my own use but when i need queens there are not any
> mature drones for her to mate with. Most midwestern beekeepers would raise
> their own queens if they had mature drones in early March. I know of no way
> to get bees to raise drones in Missouri in early March. If you know of a
> method please respond!
> Sincerely,
> Bob Harrison
> Odessa, Missouri