The term “Wisconsin Bees” refers to bees that are raised locally in Wisconsin. Raising bees in Wisconsin means that they are naturally adapted to the harsh winter season, thus increasing their productivity and survival rate. By comparison, most commercial beekeepers will ship their bees to warmer climates for the winter, which means that they have a lower chance of surviving the winter in your local hive.
Commercial queen breeders have also limited the genetic diversity of their bees over the past few decades. Limited diversity makes it harder for bees to adapt to new threats, such as mites, viruses, and pesticides. Having more locally produced bees also encourages diversity that can lead to more resilience against these threats.
For more information, email sales@paulzelenski.com