It is common for bees to search for pollen-like substances in the
absence of the real thing.  Other items mentioned on this list include
saw dust and bird seed from birdfeeders, none of which are of use to
bees' diets.  A soy based pollen substitute would be a good solution
to the "bees in the cow's corn" problem.  BeePro from Mann Lake has also
received high praise on this list.  Personally I have never used pollen
substitutes for my bees.  I fed a bit of pollen collected and frozen last
summer to a few hives this weekend and the bees snatched it right up,
while ignoring Baggie feeders of 1:1 sugar syrup.
 
Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee!