> I try and do this by collecting ferals and placing them in a poor location
> ...  I may weed out my swarms and ferals caught by 50% by years end, then
> these ferals are wintered in singles to select for desired wintering
> traits etc. when I may further weed out if needed, only then are they
> integrated into my operation.
<etc.>

This sounds like a pretty big operation and must be quite time-consuming,
and I -- and others -- am having some difficulty understanding exactly what
you are doing to arrive at your conclusions.  You appear to be on the line
between agriculture and bush, judging by your sig and a Goggle Earth view of
Derry, PA.  Maybe you could outline the area covered by your activities, the
number of hives and yards involved, and whether you are keeping bees for
income or avocation, so we can see where you are coming from?

Thanks.

allen

I detest life-insurance agents; they always argue that I shall some day die,
which is not so.
            -- Stephen Leacock

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