Australian packages??
Packages have been coming in from both main sources. They are mostly being
used (like last year) to replace deadouts. There is no other source for
replacement bees this time of year.
Most beekeepers have read my articles and realize it is sound business to
replace deadouts and let the almond growers pay for the deadouts.
Why wait to April to buy packages and then bare all the cost?
Some beekeepers I talked to which reported failure to control varroa after
fogging sheep dip last year as a last resort are having trouble keeping
their bees alive. Nothing new there. Many of those are reporting from 50% to
100% losses going into almonds.
Bob
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