Since the border between Canada and the continental USA was closed because
of HBTM, Canadian beekeepers have been forced to look elsewhere for their
honeybees.  New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii became the main suppliers
but were more expensive than those from the southern USA.  Some beekeepers,
who had previously made lacklustre attempts at overwintering because they
could buy cheap packages in the spring, now spend time and money to ensure
successful overwintering.  Several additional benefits have come to light.
Research has developed, with varied success, HBTM resistant honeybees,
honeybees somewhat tolerant of Varroa, and honeybees who winter well.
Local breeders now market Queens and Nucs with some or all of the above
traits.  Small beekeepers, like myself, now look at splitting the mild
mannered hive, that produced over 200 Lbs of honey, next spring.  This
investment in the genes of your honeybees can only be maintained if you
winter your hives.  I fear that Hive Beetles and Africanized Honeybees are
the next pests that will be shipped all over North America if the package
bee system is used.
 
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
Bob Darrell
RR#2 Caledon Ontario,
Canada
44N 80W