New Utah beekeeper, hoping to get started on the right foot!

[dmaddox]

Hello friends,

I am in the process of getting two cedar hives (10 frame, 5 mediums per) and am very excited.

I love this forum so far and yet still find myself confused on a breed. First off I love to learn and will do what it takes to make good decisions. With that being said:

Russians or Italians? I am worried about swarming, but love the other aspects of Russians. Out of 10 search results on the topic, it's 5/5 folks liking one or the other. I'm not sure which direction. I am in Utah, it's cold here in the winter, and hot dry summers. I have great water source and lots of pollen..

I also want to add that I do not want to use chemicals on anything. I'd like to be as natural as possible.

Thank you for any insight!

Best- dallas