as the definition implies, The nucleus colony - or nuc - is the heart of my apiary.  through the wisdom of beekeepers before me, I've adopted a self-sustaining system of rearing new queens and colonies from my most vigorous stock. While tending to the production colonies (those used to harvest honey) throughout the beekeeping season, I CONCURRENTLY raise new queens to grow NUC colonies.

The nuc system helps allow for the exclusion of any sort of chemical treatment, and is augmented by my nature-based systematic approach, implementing techniques such as brood breaks, allowing for swarms, and selecting the most hearty genes to perpetuate only the most desirable stock.

Losing a colony is almost a certainty in today's world of beekeeping, but an apiary which has reserves to pull from can not only survive, but thrive.