I have kept honeybees for about 5 years.  I've had successes and failures.  I very much appreciate knowing that Virginia supports my efforts through the Beehive Distribution Program.  It is a fantastic resource that allows me to expand my apiary.  Last year a bear tore up several of my hives.  As a result, I reconfigured my apairy and installed an electric fence with a solar generator.  Being part of the Beehive Distribution Program meant I didn't have to face the expense of  buying new hives to replace those the bear destroyed.  I might have given up Beekeeping without this program.  Even more important is knowing that the state and regional apiarists have my back.  I have attended classes taught by Keith Tignor and he has come to my Beekeeping Club.  I am extremely proud of my little apiary in Buckingham County, situated along the James River.  The honey my bees produce is a beautiful light gold.  I thank you very much for funding the Virginia Beehive Distribution Program.  It's wonderful to know you care.

I think overall these changes will improve the program.  In an effort to be as "fair" as possible to everyone, I think it would be best to include some methodology in the system so that people that have put in for hives and not received them, would receive preference over people that have already received hives through the program.  Many hunting permit programs operate in that you receive additional "points" or "entries" for each year you have submitted an application and not received the permit.  I think something similar to that would help "spread the wealth" a little more evenly.  However, I do think these changes are definitely a step in the right direction.

While I am extremely grateful for this program, there is a glut of new beekeepers who have not done their research or appropriate education. Can you consider requiring a beekeeping class prior to receiving?  

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.

I think this is one of the coolest things about being a beekeeper in Virginia. When I was moving here 6 years ago, this program encouraged me to connect with the beekeeping scene in the area (Southeastern Virginian for me). I read through some of the other comments, and 2 hives per household does sound like more people could participate. I agree with the principle of educational requirements, the concern is how would that be verified? Weighing people who have been in the queue for several years may have real merit. I think the question is whether VDACS is trying to encourage novice hobby beekeepers or folks with massive apiaries. There are people in our club who have 10+ hives and seem to benefit from the distribution every other year. Should they wait a turn?
The main reason I wanted to comment. I have been unable to apply for the VDACS program, although I have tried the last several years. The instructions have been quite mysterious. My plea is that the application process becomes more user friendly. Having 2 weeks to figure it out will help. Knowing that you have a 5-minute window at midnight has not worked.

I, too, have been applying for several years for some of the grant money with no success. I only hope that the same individuals are not recieving the grants every year and if so this sould be changed to allow others to offset their beekeeping  budgets!

Respectfully,

Louis DeMarco

Hello,

I've tried to submit my application within the first few hours of knowing about the Free Beehive program and have yet to get any free hives. It seems like the time frame on responding to my application was longer than expected and if there are any errors on the applications, by the time we fix the errors the Free hive program has reached its limit and is closed and the "corrected" application is put in the bottom of the pile of applications. 

I've talked to a couple of people who have received the free beehives on more than one occasion.

I think that the selection of the free Beehive equipment should be a "One time" only gift. 

I also think the Free beehives should be given to people who have completed a Beginning Beekeeping class and is a member of a Local BeeKeeping chapter.

Thank you 

I support a more fair distribution and acceptance process that is based on random selection to include a fair distribution geographically within the State instead of first come first serve.

I support and strongly encourage this to be a one time grant

I encourage VDACS to require a letter of support with the application that verifies the applicant has taken a beekeeping class at a beekeeping club or through an online format via a University program.

I have been involved teaching beekeeping for over 10 years and part of the Virginia Beekeeping Teachers Consortium that educates hundreds of beekeeping students every year.  I am not in support of the way this program has been conducted up to now.  Giving free equipment out to people with no beekeeping instruction, and not working in  association with the existing beekeeping clubs in the State, in my humble opinion creates more problems in beekeeping.  Problems include spread of disease by uneducated beekeepers who do not know how to manage colonies- we have plenty of those in Virginia already, giving out free equipment with no instruction has only added to that problem.

If you want to keep this program, make the application process fair, geographically dispersed and require proof of some education in beekeeping.  Thank you  Karla Eisen, Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS) Master Beekeeper, EAS State Delgate for Virginia, Virginia State Beekeepers Northern Regional Representative.

The legislation says that the program is available to "an individua registered with VDACS as a beekeeper.".  It does not say VDACS will register "prospective" beekeepers.   Therefore by statute applicants are already beekeepers.  VDACS either has already or has now been authorized to define "beekeeper."  I will share a few thoughts which VDACS may consider.  Obviously planning to keep bees does not constitute being a beekeeper.  Neither does buying bees that die before the next spring.  The beekeeping literature and the beekeeping community in Virginia have distinguished for many years between "beekeepers" and bee-havers."     Bee-havers do not get or apply the knowledge necessary to successfully keep bees alive and thriving.  Beekeepers do so.   The purpose of encouraging the health of honey bees will be best served by using equipment to help beekeepers expand their apiaries; conversely, using equipment to help or entice poorly prepared and motivated people to jump into beekeeping will often be detrimental to the health of honey bees.

Two items in the proposed regulations should be changed; the first seems to be required to be consistent with the statute, the second will aid efficiency  (1) The proposed guideline to have VDACS register eligible applicants as beekeepers requires that they already be beekeepers, not prospective beekeepers or bee-havers.      VDACS therefore must as part of the application provide questions for the applicant to substantiate the claim that he/she is a beekeeper, not a prospective beekeeper or a bee-haver.   I suggest evidence could include winter survival rates of 70% or better in the most recent one or two year(s), and the number and health status (such as mite counts) of hives owned at the time of application.   Although I prefer beekeepers take a good course, the knowledge necessary to be a beekeeper could be demonstrated in other ways. (2) The W-4 should continue to be required at the time of application, in order to deem the application as complete, which will avoid expensive and wasteful follow up work, as well as delays in distributing equipment.   The form needs to be completed at some point, it might as well be done on the front end.  A fifteen day or longer application period affords plenty of time to complete and submit the W-4.  Doing tasks that are necessary in a timely manner is an important component of being a beekeeper.

My son Tyler just started Beekeeping as part of his 4-H Project and has enjoyed it very much. We have had many donations to help him out with getting his Beekeeping adventure up and going. 

It is very encouraging knowing that there is so much support at the state level in helping beekeepers out with giving them hives to help grow the bee population in our state.

I have kept approx. 30-35 hives in the Shenandoah Valley for more than ten years. I also teach beekeeping for several nonprofit clubs. Because I am not a Virginia resident, I am not eligible to participate in the distribution program, which seems randomly aimed at hobby beekeepers.( It is of minimal value to sideline or small beekeepers whose bees are hived in Virginia, who tend to buy equipment in bulk).
I have observed that many first-time beekeepers, especially those that take up beekeeping without classes or mentors, simply fail to succeed and give up or, worse, allow their hives to die of pests or disease because they don’t know how to manage them. For this reason I think it unwise to give free beekeeping equipment to individuals with no training or experience. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they have completed a class offered by a university, extension program, or beekeeping club, or alternatively,  that they have completed at least two full seasons as a beekeeper or volunteer with a legit nonprofit beekeeping organization, possibly with exceptions for veterans or disabled persons.  Otherwise I would estimate that up to 50-60% of these funds end up blowing in the wind.

Their also needs to be a fair allocation method that does not depend on instantaneous access to technology. This disfavors rural and economically disadvantaged areas of the state.

The beehive grant Is otherwise a great program to encourage practical science and interest in agriculture and the environment.

Consideration might be given to supporting Virginia bee supply companies by requiring instate purchase, as well. 

Anne Fraser

EAS Master Beekeeper

I have been dreaming about having bees for nine years. I grew up with bees for the first 16 years of my life. I appreciate having a program that encourages and supports healthy beekeeping. The equipment, hive structures, foundation, protective gear, and the costs of the bees are enormous for someone starting out. I appreciate that I can have some support for the infrastructure. It doesn't pay for the full exposure of expenses for beekeeping, but at least it is a start. 

I see a lot of negative comments about first time beekeepers. I don't feel that statements like these are helpful and don't appreciate being lumped into the same pool as inept beekeepers. There are many very serious beginners who will actively manage their hives and seek advice from other beekeepers. I saw many of them in class. However, there will always be some folks who don't take bee management seriously. I can't help that any more than I can control another person's poor decisions, in things like crime, DUIs, squandering time or money.  At the same time beginning beekeepers have to start somewhere and learn from experience, with and from mentors. Without the hive distribution program, I don't know that I would have been able to make the leap into this space.

A little about myself -- I've taken multiple workshops throughout the years. More recently I took beekeeping classes in the Spring of 2019 with Master Beekeeper Fred Holman at BRCC, went to the Fall Virginia Beekeeping Conference at BRCC in Weyers Cave, joined the Shenandoah Valley Beekeepers Assoc., and then took a Sustainable Hives class with Master Beekeeper Mary Cash Spring 2020. Incidentally, she was a passionate beginner beekeeper not long ago. I've been collecting protective gear and other equipment for a year. Because of what I learned in Mary's class I caught my first swarm two weeks ago, treated it for Varroa mites before larvae capping, and have been feeding them so as to have as healthy a start as possible. I am looking forward to adding three nucs in the next week. I have enough equipment to deal with some changes that will inevitably occur in my hives over the next season and year. I don't have a crystal ball to predict exactly which changes will occur so I have to be prepared. I do have more equipment and tools that I will need to purchase and pick up. As I stated, the starting costs are enormous.

In the beginner class we were told that it is best to start with three hives so that you have a better reference and understanding as to what a thriving hive looks like. I took that to heart. Since then I feel that working with Mary (in her apiary), that I saw lots of variety in how a thriving hive may look. We had to make immediate decisions when evaluating hives, creating nucs, swarm prevention, capturing swarms, moving hives, record keeping, and queen rearing. I am so grateful to her guidance. It has given me the confidence that I can do this and do it well. Mistakes will happen along the way. I've already made and corrected some. Bees are very resilient, and I intend to be as well. Like any other kind of livestock they need tending, observation, and management.

Regarding the selection process -- a random drawing feels like a system that is more equitable than first come first serve, which was prone to issues of server availability, Internet access, and more. The first come first serve system was very nerve racking as anyone tried to get on an overwhelmed server. From the SVBA club and from the Virginia Beekeeping Conference, I know several people who were successful at getting hives through the program. Whatever, the rules are, it needs to be clear and clear for all. I see people attempting to justify one selection method over another, pitting the selection process in favor of their selection. I don't know how one can be any more fair than random selection. People will complain unless they happen to be the ones chosen.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to apply. Beekeeping is in my blood.

Our club has been around for about 7 years. The first few years we grew by the classes given, about 20 new members a year. The last few years we have seen a massive influx of members due to the state's beehive distribution program. 

The problem we observe is that, even though well intentioned, some recipients believe the program is "Free beehives to save the bees". They are not made aware of the preparation needed, and responsibilities assumed by a suburban/urban beekeeper. 

If the intention of the program is to reestablish the healthy feral population of honeybees in the state, the beehives should be placed in the hands of those best able to accomplish those goals. 

These would be beekeepers that can establish their ability to overwinter a colony successfully and located in an area where swarms can be released without being a nuisance to the local population. 

At the very minimum the recipient should be able to demonstrate they have taken a class or have the equivalent experience with keeping honey bees. It is not unreasonable to expect a new beekeeper to have prepared by being mentored and taking a class in advance of receiving and setting up new equipment.

It is not about saving the bees.

I offer this with hope that some changes are made. Some of that which is listed below I am certain will get under the skin of some, good. Think of the future generations of VA beekeepers and those right now coming up behind you to take up this art/craft.

Some changes needed in the program are listed below.

1. Equipment through the BDP should be reserved first for educational purposes such as 4H, FFA, and public schools. This would allow an early introduction for children and teenagers who do not have the opportunity at home. Providing equipment to a high school Agriculture class will increase interest, and have those same students learn the basics of beekeeping just as they do with other agricultural topics. Start beekeeping clubs in the high schools FFA, and in the end show and sell the honey and other hive products. This may lead to other mentors offering additional beekeeping classes after hours for these same students. Of course regulations would have to be updated to allow such, as the BDP requires a registered beekeeper. Any remaining equipment not provided to such as stated above should go to newbies and novices.

2. A beekeeper shall not be required to show membership, proof of attendance, or a certificate of "beekeeping 101." For those beekeepers wanting all new seekers of this art to attend classes or get a certificate of some kind, you are simply restricting entrance to the craft. Is it because you did, so now everyone else should? Attending a class or eventually becoming a Master Beekeeper does not make you a good beekeeper. Anyone can read source material or become educated in a subject from a multitude of online outlets and apply it hands on. A mentor simply provides guidance and has experience, but is not required for this craft. Are cattle ranchers and farmers required to attend a class to show they can raise livestock for production? Why force this on those seeking entrance? The idea should be to ease entrance and reduce start-up costs for beekeeping, not hinder it. 

3. Commercial outfits shall not be eligible to receive hives. All remaining equipment not provided for educational purposes should be reserved for those seeking to enter into beekeeping, startup costs are high. For those keepers already in the business, if they are good shepherds, should not need the Commonwealth to provide hive boxes. Experienced beekeepers should already know how to repair and build hives, diagnose common problems, manage losses, and use least intrusive management practices. Look outside the box.

4. Beekeepers with more than (pick a number, for the sake of argument ~25, and see #3 above) hives shall not be eligible to receive equipment. This looks and reads like a program some beekeepers are using to simply get "free" equipment. Learn to do splits, be on swarm call lists, put up C-list ads, set out traps, learn basic carpentry skills, and produce a better product. A basic TBH can be built out of one good plank of wood. Langstroths may require just a bit more effort. Much of the honey I have seen, purchased, and taste tested in VA is not that good, but to each their own. It is the keepers with a small number of hives that seem to offer a better quality product anyhow.

5. Hives shall not leave the bounds of the Commonwealth. Moving bees between crops across the region/country has led us to where we are today in beekeeping, among many other issues.  

6. Selection Process: For the duration of the BDP beekeepers shall not receive equipment more than once. VDACs should have a record of all who have benefitted from the past programs.

7. All equipment used in the program should come from Virginia craftsmen. VDACs should promote in-state apiaries offering hygienic traits. VDACs could also provide an annually updated list of reputable VSH queen breeders in our region. 

8. Provide an opportunity to also purchase bees from a reputable VA apiary/beekeeper (see #3,5, & 7 above, and preferably one that does not import any of their stock from lower states) that would be available to one upon equipment pickup. This helps our VA beekeepers.

9. Distribution shall not exceed two hives per beekeeper/apiary.