>the hive with the largest population almost always has the highest varroa
>load.

True, and in operations or yards where varroa are not adequately controlled
in time, the strongest colonies one year are most likely to be the dinks (or
dead) the next spring.  IMO, an operation raising its own queens should keep
at least some of the dinks because their queens contain valuable genetics
(as evidenced by colony strength and production in the prior year).

>I am sure you can use the Russian bees for late spring and summer
>pollination but I doubt for almonds or  apples and cherries in Washington
>state in very early spring..

I've used some Russians in New Hampshire, including for apple pollination,
and feel it is a matter of adapting one's management methods to fit the bee.
 A good food supply in the fall makes a big difference in population at
maple bloom the next spring, for example.  It may be that wintering Russians
in the south is different. After all, the Russians come from higher
latitudes and may have more sensitivity to day length changes.  If I were
pursuing almond pollination with Russians, I'd consider using artificial
lighting to manipulate the brood rearing impulse (in addition to feeding).

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