Nicot Queen Rearing by Grant Gillard

Raising your own queens is one of the most powerful steps a beekeeper can take—and with the Nicot non-grafting system, it’s more accessible than ever. In Nicot Queen Rearing, experienced beekeeper and pastor Grant F. C. Gillard shares a clear, step-by-step guide to producing high-quality, locally adapted queens without the need to graft larvae.

Drawing from years of hands-on experience in West Central Missouri, Gillard walks beekeepers through every stage of the process, from preparing starter colonies to selecting the best genetics from survivor stock and feral swarm lines. His practical, sustainable approach makes queen rearing attainable for backyard beekeepers and small-scale operations alike.

Key Features

• No-Grafting Queen Rearing: Learn how to use the NICOT system to raise queens easily and successfully.

• Step-by-Step Instruction: Straightforward guidance from setup to finishing colonies.

• Locally Adapted Genetics: Focuses on selecting queens from survivor stock and feral swarms.

• Sustainable Beekeeping: Encourages chemical-free management and long-term colony resilience.

• Ideal for All Skill Levels: Perfect for hobbyists wanting control over their hive genetics.

If you want to improve colony health, strengthen local bee lines, and take full control of your apiary’s future, Nicot Queen Rearing offers a practical and inspiring roadmap.