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Good for you David, in still being Varroa mite free!
 
 
Thanks too for the prices.  I suppose that I could drive to your place to
pick them up?  I often find that is more positive though not essential.
 
In your email you mention
>We start with Buckfast  .........    good they are.
>Docile, hard working, good wintering, T-mite resistant, disease
 
Not to belittle your efforts in any way, but I have in my very limited
operation selected for the same traits and am reasonably pleased.  However
it is time to 'increase my gene pool' before brood pattern suffers so I am
PARTICULARLY interested in Varroa resistant stock )as well as TM resistant
as Buckfast has demonstrated to be) because Varroa is now across the road
form me.
 
Now I wonder if your stock has been tested for mite resistance per Guelph's
earlier program.  But I guess without the mites you'd not be able to easily
select resistant stock for this test.  However I understand that some
hygienic behaviour helps and can be tested for by killing say 100 cells of
brood and timing how long it takes a hive to clear them out.  Can you
enlighten me about your status of Varroa resistancy?
 
I should have been more specific in my original mail so as not to waste your
time.
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In a very recent post you mention being 'confused' about Varroa treatment.
 Were you able to listen to Dr Medhats presentation on LT mite wipe
techniques using tentest?  I personally think this reduces the risk from
formic acid to about the same level as paint stripper preparations that the
public handle okay.
 
I am sure you are aware he is advocating Formic acid in Spring and Apistan
in fall.  Another speaker (I think Gar d Otis - but do not have my notes at
hand) mentioned microencapsulated menthol which is readily eaten by the
bees.
 
I mention these just in case you were too tied up to sit in during the VERY
interesting presentation for I know that you are keeping quite up to date in
spite of advertised confusion.
 
Thanks again
george