[LtlWilli]

...and a big HOWDY back atcha, Ken. There are times when I wished nearer the big water, but not so close as to have to keep up with hurricane alerts. I would recommend getting two hives, because, like with Lays Potato Chips, just one won't do. It really won't ( SIGH )...There are a great many good choices out there to choose from. You will enjoy pondering all the varieties available, then, soon you'll realize that you want them all!! :lol:
Glad to have you here, and feel free to jump in with us other bee addicts.
Regards,
Rick~ Ltl Willi

 

[LtlWilli]

I am still learning myself, but I'll be glad to interject my thoughts. ...You can call your local Ag Extension Agent to find out what other keepers are using. He is probably gonna say Italian, Minnesota Hygenics(which are refined Italians),Carniolans or New World Carniolans--all of which are all-around good. All of them work well, but your climate there might just make one slightly better than the others...I intend to get Carniolan or New Worlds next year, and possibly more Russians. I have not harvested them yet , so I dunno. I am waiting for the end of the Fall nectar flow on them.
Gotta haul my skinny butt for a while...Take care, guy.
Regards,
Rick

 

[LtlWilli]

It is ironic that I can totally agree with Bee Catcher's assesment of how the DNA will play out, and still find myself willing to go the other route. While it is true that the initial high-dollar queen might take off with a swarm next spring, it is not certain, especially if she has plenty of brood space left. Either way, her many drones will be spreading good DNA around all the while, thus improving the quality of the mutts in question. Lastly, who's to say, but that these suposed mutts are a swarm from another respectable hive. You never know.