Food for thought, Rick. Thanks. I fed a little more last spring, trying to get my very late packages and nucs to draw out meduim supers. Zero comb was drawn.

I had six double deep colonies. One got robbed out or absconded early. One other apparently starved over winter and there was significant water in the bottom tray. As of yesterday four are growing and bringing in pollen. Feeding dry sugar via Vivaldi boards. The apiary is remote and not visited daily in winter.

Yes to telescoping covers. Insulation is burlap in the Vivaldi.

Propolis aplenty. Three colonies are quite heavy.

I have three acres+- of irrigated native prairie and haven’t had a serious dearth these last two seasons.

I plan to do a mite check the next time temps get into the fifties.

Thanks again for the feedback

I’ve been buying an “off-brand” of granulated sugar in 25 pound bags. $.50 a pound. I used 175 pounds during feeding season last year and wonder if members have a more economical source? I suspect prices have gone up recently and I’m burning through last years surplus. Thanks.