>>> We marked the three best in every yard in years before varroa and would say that the best producers also wintered best.
>>> ...but really do not see that happening where I am or in the hives of Alberta commercial beekeepers in the past several years .... best honey producers often crash pretty hard a couple of months after the flow
So, what has changed since the observations of pre-varroa years and current years.
1) The advent of varroa
2) Use of mitecides
3) New viruses?
4) Weaker queens?
5) Other factor or factors which I have neglected to mention
What has to be determined is which factor, or factors, has changed the equation to the point where strong, honey producing hives are now collapsing after heavy honey production events.
Mike in LA
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