queens

All Queens are carefully grafted from NZ’s most advanced AI breeder queen genetics produced by Betta Bees Research Ltd or from our own carefully selected breeder Queens.

At SJA we’ve invested heavily in our Queen breeding program recently to further improve the quality and genetics of our Queens and Cells for beekeepers around the world

To ensure the best quality Queen matings our mating yards are located in carefully selected areas with optimal warm, sheltered conditions and an abundance of high quality pollen needed for successful Queen rearing.

Most importantly we flood the area with Drone hives ensuring ample supply of high quality drones are available during mating flights.

We all know that a good Queen comes from a good Queen Cell at SJA our Queen Cells are produced by highly experienced, skilled and dedicated beekeepers using proven methods that have been refined over the last 15 years.

All Queens are carefully checked for health, appearance and capped brood pattern, before being caged and prepared for transport to their new owner.

SJA Honey is a shareholder in the Betta Bee Genetic programme with access to a regular supply of the latest advancements made in Italian Breeder Queen genetics.

Our queens exhibit the following characteristics:

• Resistance to Parasitic Mite Syndrome

• Optimal honey production

• Brood viability

• Quiet Temperament

• Hygienic behaviour traits

• General absence of brood disease

• Faster spring build up

When can I order?

Mated Queens are available by pre-purchase from September to April. Distribution is available nationwide via courier or by pickup from our Base in Waitoki. Place your order

Virgin Queens

Virgin queens are a cost effective solution for beekeepers looking to re-queen or create new colonies or mated Queens.

SJA Virgin Queens are a great option. They are more cost effective than a Mated Queen and more robust than a Queen cell plus they can be sent anywhere in the country via post.

Virgin Queens come in a Queen cage with some escorts the same as a mated Queen and can be released into a Queen-less hive by snapping off the tab and and placing the cage between the frames in the brood nest.

We have found virgin Queen introduction to be very successful achieving around the same results as Queen cells.