Hello All, Greetings from a warmer place than Missouri in winter! Chuck'Is fears are of course valid concerns but will not be enough to stop out of state pollination of California's almond crop.The almond industry is in dire straits and will persue drstic measures to keep the crops pollinated if the U.S. beekeeper can not provide the service. Super mites were created by the worlds failed *long term* methods of varroa control with chemicals. It is ironic that those beekeepers having the most trouble with *super varroa* either created the problem in their yards by use of illegal treatments or using legal treatments against label. Even using legal chemicals as per label breeds a super varroa.We were warned by the worlds best beekeeping minds *super varroa* were coming. If your choice of varroa control is the use of chemicals then rotation of chemicals will buy time but sooner or later you will see a varroa resistant to the chemicals you are using. Placing your hives in an area of hives with *super varroa* will get the problem started in your hives without a doubt. I was asked to do an article on the pro's & con's of almond pollination from the commercial beekeepers perspective which might address Chuck's concerns and give readers of The American Bee Journal insight into almond pollination. The article will be in the April 2005 issue. Will be back in Missouri in a few weeks. Sincerely, Bob Harrison :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::