In Central Mn I can also report an amazing result for my NON-russians (about half are VSH), 5% losses and large surviving clusters.  Many bottom boards and areas on the ground had less then a handful of dead bees. 

At the same time my Russians maintained in southern MN (100 miles away) which normally come through the winter fine have 70% losses. Two other regional beekeepers that are 100% Russian and stationary with a combined total of over 1200 hives also have 50% or greater losses.  The prevailing wisdom is the poor forage season played a role in the Russian losses. I wish I could explain mine....

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