PO Gustafsson wrote:

>  But is there anyone that can honestly say they can breed for higher 
> honey production without loosing the bees ability to handle mite 
> infection?  

Excellent point, and in my experience, up 'til last year, that was the 
case.  Resisistant bees produced poorly.  Then two years ago I finally 
started getting from my own operation, and others, queens whose bees 
could do it all.  Strongly mite resistant, and the best buildup, brood 
nests, and honey production I've seen.  I haven't seen any "cost" for 
their varroa control.

Danny Weaver, with 5000 colonies, hasn't used any varroa treatment of 
any sort for several years.  After hard losses, his bees are doing great.
So the answer to your question is "yes."
Randy Oliver

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