BackYard Beekeeping
“Interested in bringing the world of the European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) to your own backyard? At Hopkins Hives, we provide the expertise needed to help you make a well-informed decision for your property.”
Why Subspecies Matter for Backyard Beess
While there are over 28 subspecies, we focus on the 7 most reliable for local agriculture. Choosing the right bee isn’t just about honey—it’s about survival and temperament.
Our Backyard Beekeeping Standard
We prioritize three “pillars” when selecting breeding lines for your home:
Highgenic Tendency: We select bees with strong hygienic behavior to naturally resist pests like the Varroa destructor mite
Gentleness: Essential for backyard environments and family-friendly spaces.
Winter Hardiness: Ensuring your colony is robust enough to survive harsh off-seasons.
Meet the Bees of Hopkins Hives
At Hopkins Hives, we don’t just manage bees—we curate colonies. We exclusively work with two world-class honey bee lines, selected for their calm nature, resilience, and superior health in the Nebraska climate.
The Carniolan (Apis mellifera carnica)
The “Gentle Giant” of the Prairie
Originally from the mountainous regions of Europe, the Carniolan is the favorite of backyard beekeepers everywhere.
- Unmatched Temperament: They are incredibly docile and calm on the comb, making them the perfect choice for families and residential properties.
- Early Risers: They are among the first bees to begin foraging in the spring, ensuring your garden gets a head start on pollination.
- Winter Warriors: Their natural ability to conserve food and cluster tightly makes them exceptionally hardy during our cold winters.
The Buckfast
The Disease-Resistant Workhorse
Developed by Brother Adam at Buckfast Abbey, this line was bred for the specific purpose of being the ultimate managed honey bee.
- Healthy & Robust: Buckfast bees have a high “hygienic instinct,” meaning they naturally fight off pests like the Varroa mite better than other breeds.
- Consistent Producers: They maintain a steady, strong population throughout the summer, leading to reliable honey harvests.
- Low Swarm Instinct: These bees are bred to stay in the hive, giving you peace of mind that your colony is focused on your property.
Our Breeding Standard
We believe that a successful beekeeping experience starts with the right genetics. If a colony ever shows signs of aggression or underperformance, Hopkins Hives will Re-Queen the hive at no additional cost to you. Our mission is to provide you with a healthy, productive, and safe honey bee experience.