I didnt use a pollen supplement last year, I havent ever used one, due to the heavy goldenrod bloom around me. The girls were really bringing in the pollen.
I was feeding with 2:1, a couple hives taking in heavy the others not so much.
I treated with mite away pads, althought the application was shortened due to early onset of cold weather and needing to get the hives wrapped.
Like I said a couple of the hives were light going in and I expected some loss but not all of them.
Eastern Iowa has been beat up with winter this year. Lots of snow and alot of below normal temps. I cant remember how mant below zero and colder nights (and days) we have had not to mention the wind chills.
I dont know if the failure can be traced to just one cause or the cumulative effect of everything.
Like I said, get some new packages, hope for a few spring swarm calls, keep smilin and things will get better!