>. I am a skeptic when people say bees from elsewhere (Georgia, California) are no good. I think they are generic honey bees and they will do well if conditions are favorable.

I have been quite successful with California queens and with Georgia packages many times. Winter survival has been good.

> I believe that the major die-off in 2016 was due to a form of virus we haven't had. Why they didn't succumb in 2017 is a mystery but likely due to that particular strain killing off the bees and itself at the same time.

I had the same problem this year as 2016. I am burning the hives and starting with different hives this spring. In one yard I have had 100% survival last year and this one, in my home yard I've had 100% loss both years with similar symptoms. All hives dead in October/November. All hives were treated the same and got very similar care. Probably the home yard got a little better attention. All hives were excellent honey producers. The outer yard with great survival is not far from an orchard and migratory bees are used for pollination. So those bees were certainly exposed to multiple virus and still survived quite well. Still at a loss for cause.

> But I do think that one has to hedge one's bets, expect losses from time to time, crop failures, bad years, etc. It's agriculture, after all. Most people don't have the temperament for it.

My patience is running low about now. If the damn snow would melt and it would warm up a little and the bees could fly I'm sure it would increase my "temperament"

 

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