Honey Bee Insemination Service
Access expert instructional material, insemination training and advice concerning stock improvement. Our goal is to provide the tools and support to researchers, queen producers and beekeepers worldwide.
Services
Instrumental Insemination Training
Instrumental insemination enables complete control of mating, essential to selective breeding. A specialized technique, to gain proficiency requires fine motor skills, attention to detail, practice, advanced beekeeping skills and quality equipment.
Current classes are designed for researchers and queen producers with some insemination experience. Intense hands-on practice focuses on troubleshoot any issues, designed to improve efficiency and success rates. Classes are tailored to individual needs with small group size.
Classes provide detailed instruction, supervised practice and problem solving, essential components to learn the technique. Training is 3 intensive days, with a plentiful supply of virgin queens and drones for practice. Geared to individual needs, classes are limited to 2 to 4 people. Priority will be given to researchers and beekeepers requiring this skill. Experience in the technique is highly recommended. The more familiar you are with the equipment & techniques, the more details you will retain. Specialized beekeeping practices; as care and handling of queens and drones, banking, queen introduction and establishment of IIQs, and bee breeding methods will be reviewed as needed. A strong background in beekeeping and queen rearing is required. For fast feedback, spermathecas will be dissected and evaluated. You are required to provide your own instrument, or rental equipment will be available with prior arrangement. Rental fee $200/class (fee may be applied toward purchase). Microscopes and lights are available for use during classes. Schley instruments are offered as these provide precision, high repeatability, and ease in learning the technique. Several other types of instruments are available during class for your use and comparison. Please inquire for an evaluation and/or upgrade on equipment, if needed. Classes will be offered in June & July. Class Fees USD $1500. Please inquire directly for dates and availability.
Custom Insemination Service
A custom insemination service is available to researchers requiring specific genetic crosses and queen producers endeavoring to develop, enhance, and maintain breeding stock.
Specific crosses required for research projects, for example Single Drone Inseminations, etc., can be contracted. Custom work at the commercial level can be designed to help establish an insemination program for breeding stock development and maintenance. Inquire for details.
Presentations and Seminars
Susan Cobey is a sought-after speaker for national and international seminars, workshops and conferences. Early booking is recommended to secure dates. Presentations via zoom calls can also be scheduled.
Topics related to bee breeding, selection protocol, instrumental insemination techniques and related beekeeping practices, including care and handling of queens and drones, banking, queen rearing, etc. are suggested.
Workshops
Insemination Workshops can be arranged at your location. These require a plentiful supply of live material, virgin queens and drones, and proper insemination equipment and microscopes. Classes can be designed to “Train the Trainer” for those planning to offer future classes.
Fee Schedule
Please inquire for details.