Strachan Apiaries

Founded in 1954, Strachan Apiaries began as a queen-raising business in California. It produces New World Carniolan queen bees and maintains a breeding program for this stock with Ohio State University. The program uses instrumental insemination and annual evaluation to maintain and propagate the line. Beekeeping and queen breeding are central to the company's agricultural work. In 1961, the business moved to its present location in Yuba City, in the Sacramento Valley. The Carniolan line has been a core part of its operation since a breeding venture began in 1980. Strachan Apiaries is owned by Valeri Severson, who has been active in the family business for more than 25 years.