> Mike McDonald asked how to determine hive strength in an
> analytical way based on measurements.

I expect any formula would have to vary by season.  I use square inches of
brood in late April (location New England).  This works better to predict
hive strength 3 weeks in the future.  To use it to estimate current hive
strength, I have to take into account the insulating value of the hive,
whether there have been any especially cold nights recently, and whether the
colony has sufficient food stimulation so the queen can lay up to the
maximum brood warming capacity of the cluster.

For almond pollination, I recall reading that hive strength is assessed by
number of combs covered by bees at a specific temperature in (presumably) a
normal wood hive without insulation.

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