# Beekeeping with Chuck - 2026 VSH Queen Rearing - The Cell Starter Configuraiton

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/chuck-cook-podcast-7171776/beekeeping-with-chuck-2026-vsh-queen-rearing-the-cell-starter-configuraiton
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/chuck-cook-podcast-7171776/beekeeping-with-chuck-2026-vsh-queen-rearing-the-cell-starter-configuraiton.md
Podcast: [Chuck Cook Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/chuck-cook-podcast-7171776)
Published: 2026-02-13T18:48:49+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/chuck-cook-podcast/2547168
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/311524/2547168/chuck-cook-podcast/2026_02_13_18_45_17_870af94d-24ee-42e0-a0cb-f82abccf2dae.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/chuck-cook-podcast-7171776/episodes/beekeeping-with-chuck-2026-vsh-queen-rearing-the-cell-starter-configuraiton
Duration seconds: 1206

## Resource

🐝 It’s officially the start of the 2026 season! While most people are prepping for Valentine’s Day, Chuck is out in the apiary focused on a different kind of labor of love: setting up the first queen cell starter of the year. This episode takes you right into the hive to configure a powerhouse starter for tomorrow's graft. 🤔 Is the "zero mite" count goal actually a total fallacy in modern beekeeping? 🧪 What is Harbo testing really telling us about genetic resistance vs. mite reproduction? 📋 How do you properly configure a queen-less bottom box while keeping the queen safe up top? 📍 Highlights in this episode: ✅ The strategy behind Valentine's Day grafting and the 2026 season kickoff ✅ Breaking down Harbo test results: Level 4 breeders vs. Level 0 resource hives ✅ Why aiming for "zero mites" might be the wrong data point to chase ✅ Step-by-step guide to shaking bees and setting up a double screen board ✅ Selecting the perfect pollen frames to fuel your nurse bees ✅ A look at custom 3D-printed gear for temperature sensors and feeders ✅ How to use a high-mite, untreated colony as a strong cell starter 🎙️ We want to hear your take on the mite count controversy! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more deep dives into sustainable apiary management. #QueenRearing #Beekeeping #VarroaResistance #ApiaryLife #SustainableBeekeeping #HarboTesting

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## Transcript

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