Saskatraz bees from Mann Lake

Thanks Ron, keep us posted

I know a number of Nucs wher started this past year with Saskatraz Queens so I'm very queriest to
see how well they do , see if they wintered well how they build up come spring and what kind of production they do plus if they have a lot of other good traits .

Saskatraz bees seem to build up well ,only found one hive to be very defensive others wher very gentile
This year will be able to tell more .
I will say this for what I have seen to date I would not pay the big money for packages
Just don't see the money difference but maybe a new line of bees could be a good thing if they
Turn out to be a good match for the northeast .

Ron, How were the Saskatraz queens that you saw performing?

I think it will take a few years before we know if the Saskatraz is a good fit for our area,
But as Mike said I'm not sure they are worth the money.
Three or four people have them from last year some are easy to work with some will run you off.

Mike,
Thanks so much for your honest assessment of the Saskatraz bees thus far. This was the type of information I was looking for. It would be interesting to hear of other opinions/assessments going forward. I still have interest in the Saskatraz bees but for the price right now, I'm sticking with my regular bee strain. Thanks again!
-Tim

So I've had some Saskatraz stock for a full season, and a bit. Of the 25 I received from Saskatchewan, 5 perished in the winter...drone layers. The remainder were okay. Nothing special. Tried to find any that might be of breeder quality. A few looked okay for strength and brood pattern. Too bad they chased me from the apiary. I'm not one to run, but....such bad temper is unacceptable.

There has been a thread on FB about Sasketraz. Lots of negative reviews. Personally, I'm not impressed. Albert's selection work focused on honey production and DWV titre. Some of mine produced okay. Nothing special. I treat, so I can't speak to varroa buildup. Seems to me that the Sasketraz are just the latest glamor queens. There's no real work done with them. I'm not saying they're any better or worse than other stocks available...other than the overly defensive bit...when compared for stocks selected for good temper. But, to pay way extra, just to have this stock, is foolish.

The Vermont Beekeeping Supply in Williamstown has some history about this breed. I know the price just increased from their supplier. Perhaps you could reach out to Sheri for more info. They have them available for order this spring. I believe they have a booth at the farm show as well. Closer than Mann Lakes. Think spring !

Mike,
I'd be interested in your continued assessment of the Saskatraz bees. Others would too and I am looking to try them this year. Thanks for any info.
-Tim

No, they're all over in NY, and I haven't been there yet.

Thank you Mike for your reply, have you made any observations on the the 25 requeened hives this year. Cleansing flights etc.

I received 25 Saskatraz queens from Albert Robertson in Saskatchewan. He's the originator of the stock. Becaise I got them later in July, we used them for requeening. I haven't had them long enough to have an opinion.

The Saskatraz queens from Mann Lake are raised in California by Olivarez. Albert sends breeders to Olivarez.