>As Adam points out, taking one's winter losses in the fall (otherwise
termed "being realistic) will decrease winter losses.

I have never been completely convinced about this.

I always let queenright colonies take their chance in winter and have frequently been surprised that weak colonies often survive and then go on to great things the following year.  My best breeding line came from such a colony.  Culling in the autumn might well kill off some very good queens.

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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