> Hi Bill, as a California beekeeper who very effectively manages when my
> colonies rear brood and when they don't, and who is intimately familiar
> with extended dearths, perhaps I can offer some answers to your questions.
>

You are sort of the Obi Wan Kenobi  I was searching for, mainly because I
remembered your prior comments on droughts in your area.

As this thread made its way along, it became apparent to me that it was all
about the pollen (protein) rather than nectar and thanks for confirming
that.

So, your answer also brings on the obvious one which is how do you manage
the dearths? My guess is the obvious answer is to control protein intake
but then how do you do  that?

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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