{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Queen Series: Randy & Eric Oliver on Selective Breeding and Varroa-Resistant Bees (384)","description":"In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman continue their queen-focused spring series with longtime beekeeper, researcher, and educator Randy Oliver and commercial beekeeper Eric Oliver. The conversation explores the realities of large-scale selective breeding for Varroa-resistant honey bees and the development of the Golden West queen line. Randy explains how his operation shifted toward breeding for mite resistance after discovering a colony in 2015 that consistently maintained zero Varroa counts without treatment. That colony became \u201cQueen Zero,\u201d launching a years-long selective breeding effort focused on resistance, gentleness, and honey production. Eric discusses how the operation evolved from occasional mite sampling into full-operation mite washing programs involving thousands of colonies, streamlined systems, and detailed tracking methods. The discussion covers the importance of drone saturation, isolated mating yards, and why successful breeding programs require cooperation among large groups of beekeepers. Randy and Eric explain their partnership with Olivarez Honey Bees to scale Golden West queen production while preserving genetic consistency through controlled mating environments. Jeff and Becky also discuss how healthier bees change the overall beekeeping experience, from colony management and overwintering to reduced chemical inputs and calmer hive behavior. Randy shares his views on breeding for gentleness, avoiding \u201cFrankenbee\u201d genetics, and why maintaining a stable breeding population is essential for long-term progress against Varroa mites. The episode also includes a listener question from Anne Bettencourt about how long beginning beekeepers should keep colonies open during inspections, leading to a thoughtful discussion on balancing learning opportunities with colony health and productivity. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Scientific Beekeeping: https:\/\/scientificbeekeeping.com Olivarez Honey Bees: https:\/\/www.ohbees.com\/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https:\/\/honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https:\/\/www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https:\/\/honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https:\/\/honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright \u00a9 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee\u2019s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http:\/\/globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types\u2014whether you\u2019re managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We\u2019re here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most\u2014your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https:\/\/www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you\u2019re managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ\u2019s smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We\u2019d like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa\u2014from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips\u2014helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright \u00a9 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ","author_name":"Beekeeping Today Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com","html":"