ABOUT US
From humble beginnings in 1931 to an internationally recognised breeding programme — the story of a Slovenian family’s extraordinary dedication to the Carniolan honey bee.
Stefan Bukovšek
Queen Breeder — 3rd Generation
Continuing the family tradition of breeding the finest Carniolan honey bee queens with the same dedication and passion established by his grandfather in 1931.
Janko Bukovšek
Queen Breeder — 3rd Generation
Together with Stefan, Janko carries forward nine decades of expertise, ensuring every queen meets the strict quality standards that earned the family international recognition.
OUR STORY
Quality Confirmed By Generations
For over 90 years, the Bukovšek family has been dedicated to breeding the highest quality Carniolan honey bee queens. What began as a passion project by young Alojz Bukovšek Sr. in 1931 has grown into one of Slovenia’s most respected queen breeding operations.
Our queens are selected based on rigorous criteria including honey profitability, cleansing behaviour, breed purity, swarming tendencies and steadiness on honeycomb. Every generation has upheld these standards, continuously improving techniques while respecting the traditions that built our reputation.
Today, Stefan and Janko Bukovšek — the third generation — continue the family legacy with the same passion and unwavering commitment to excellence that our grandfather established nearly a century ago. Our queens are shipped across Europe and beyond, carrying with them decades of expertise and dedication.
Selection Criteria
Honey profitability testing
Cleansing behaviour verification
Breed purity assessment
Swarming mood evaluation
Steadiness on honeycomb
Monitored Breeding Programme
Agricultural Institute of Slovenia