First frost has occurred here in south central Manitoba - not unusual!

Extraction finished and the need to feed up the colonies for the winter 
is being started.

This year - unlike the last two has me finding that the bottom boxes of 
the majority of the colonies are either already near to required winter 
weight  - or just need a gallon to get there.

Normally, 5 gallons of HFCS (at 18% dilution with H2O) are required to 
get them up to weight.

Populations are good.
Mite levels OK
Queens present.

BUT - a fair % have completely shut down brood production.

Maybe due to the rapid finish of the Canola flow which was followed by a 
nectar flow from Alfalfa, Sunflower. All in a semi drought weather 
condition.
Whatever - the bees appear to have put lots of stores down below, shut 
down brood production and have good populations.

Since we are only at the mid September date - are the winter bees 
already there?

If so, it will be a long time from now till next April when major brood 
production again commences.

If not - there is little room for brood to be produced.

Since only small amounts of natural pollen is being brought in (the bees 
have good pollen stores!) - and here is my question:

  - Has any body ever tried to use pollen substitute to start up late 
season brood?

No, I am not worried, desperate, just inquisitive if there is this 
potential use.

Regards,

Peter

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