Sorry for your loss. Lately, there have been studies to show not all pollen is equal in it's nutritional value. Corn pollen is severely lacking in essential amino acides. I have no doubt the pollen influx was great, but I'm not sure how goldenrod stacks up or if it fills the bees real needs. The big boys are feeding pollen subs the year round. A couple of bucks for patties will bring big dividends. I've extended the pollen sub feeding window by a couple of months myself.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.
Just because they were bringing end of season pollen is not reason to think they have what they need. They need a variety of pollens. That said, pollen protien and nutrition depend alot on the weather, and if they are getting some foraging done in tame fields (planted vs wild or natural fields). The weather plays a role in the quality of pollen all year long...that said, what was the whole summer like...?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.