PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS

"Raising Queens for Mere Mortals" - KEYNOTE

Raising queen bees often feels either unachievable or overwhelmingly complex—something reserved for elite beekeepers—and it’s frequently treated as the mark of “real” success in beekeeping. This talk challenges that myth. In reality, learning to raise your own queens is less about prestige and more about control. When you produce your own queens, you free your operation from dependence on outside suppliers, whether you’re a backyard hobbyist managing 1–3 colonies, a sideliner running 100–300 hives, or a commercial beekeeper overseeing thousands.

This talk introduces queen rearing in a practical, approachable way, focusing on why and how it works rather than mystique or perfection. Students will gain a clear understanding of the queen rearing strategy and queen castle methodology as a flexible, efficient system for mating and managing queens with minimal resources. We’ll also explore grafting—what it is, why timing and larval age matter, and how to do it without intimidation. By the end, participants will see queen rearing not as an impossible hurdle, but as a realistic, empowering tool that puts the future of their bees firmly in their own hands.

SPEAKER BIO

Doug's Bio

Doug Stolhand, a Certified Master Beekeeper through the University of Montana with 27 years of beekeeping experience. Doug is a sideline beekeeper who spent 18 years working bees in Wisconsin and the past 8 years in Olympia, Washington, where he operates Woodland Creek Honey Farm. The farm manages 100 colonies across four apiaries and serves as a hands-on training ground for mentoring beekeepers at every stage of their journey.

In addition to beekeeping, Doug has served as a pastor for 46 years and currently ministers at Emmanuel Bible Fellowship in Olympia, WA. He has been married for 46 years to Debbie—his partner in ministry, business, and life—and together they have three daughters, four grandchildren, and Buddy Stubbs, an essential part of their IPM program and the unquestioned Employee of the Month at Woodland Creek Honey Farm. Doug brings a rare blend of experience, mentorship, and perspective to today’s session.

Colony Quips