You are invited to register for a Zoom webinar!

When: Apr 9, 2026 07:30 PM London

Topic:  Selecting and Breeding for Varroa Resistance in Minnesota

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q9W4erSjSXGt-PoqZOpSgw

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Nelson will walk us through the concepts of “genetic seeding” and “treasure hunting” as a means of selecting and breeding queens to increase varroa resistance in managed honey bee populations. Having worked with McKnight Distinguished Professor Emeritus Marla Spivak since 2019, Nelson has now taken on the leading role of managing the University of Minnesota Breeding Program. He looks forward to sharing what he has learned with the group. 

Nelson Williams serves as the Apiary Manager and Primary Building Contact supporting the work and research of the UMN Bee Lab. His professional career in honey bee management and research began in 2017 at Purina Farms Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Missouri developing a protein supplement for honey bees. In 2019, he joined the Bee Informed Partnership as a Honey Bee Health Field Specialist supporting the health of commercial beekeeping operations based in MN, ND, and WI. In 2022, his role within the Bee Lab expanded to management of the queen breeding program, research colonies, lab space, and field equipment. Outside of work, you might see Nelson on the ice playing hockey, at a concert, or exploring state and national parks