I'm a hobby beekeeper located west of Boston Massachusetts. I use New World Carniolan (NWC) queens from Strachan Apiaries. I like the NWC for their ability to forage during the frequently cool, damp New England spring and summertime weather. I also like the formal closed population breeding program administered by Sue Colby at Ohio State University. This year featured some of the coldest January weather on record. I wrap the hives with tar paper, winter in two deeps, entering the winter with at least 80 lb of honey on each hive, more typically 100 lb. There are top entrance holes bored near the handholds for additional ventilation. Last weekend it got warm enough (48 F) to let me take a quick peek in the hives. The hives were quite light, but with very large populations, much larger than I am accustomed to seeing in overwintering Carniolans. The small cluster in traditional Carniolans means that they use less honey during winter. Checking the OSU site, I note that they are now selecting for larger winter clusters in order to facilitate more rapid spring build-up. Speaking strictly for myself, I have never found the Carniolans to lack anything in spring build-up. Indeed, if I am the least bit tardy in my inspections, manipulations, and splits, I get swarms. Has anyone else noted very large Carniolan clusters with NWC stock? Knowing that I will get 3 opinions from every 2 beekeepers, I'll still risk the question: Are the benefits of even more rapid spring build-up worth the costs of feeding a larger winter cluster? :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::