My original hives came from the grant and it was the tipping point that got me into beekeeping, so thank you Virginia!

I've tried a couple more times for equipment and always missed out either because the wrong w9 was sent (my fault) or I wasn't willing or able to wait up til 12:01am to fill out the application. Since then I've purchased as many hives as I can have on my property but for those starting out or building up, the two week application window and random drawing seems fairer. However, it still leaves a lot to just pure luck of the draw. What about those people that apply year after year and never get picked? Is there some way to weigh them differently than those that have already benefited from the program?

I agree with a previous comment that there should be an educational requirement. So many free online course are available now.

And since most new beekeepers start out with 1 or 2 hives, how about making 2 hives per household the maximum rather than 3? That would allow for more people to "win" the equipment.