Manitobee was created by Robert Young and his family in the spring of 2019. Rob is a biologist who’s been working with bees since he got his first two hives in 1980. Rob’s interests in biology and beekeeping are inextricably linked; his first exposure to apiculture was through an entomology course at the University of Manitoba. The course’s hands-on approach meant frequent trips to the bee yard, where Rob was able to see his professor’s lessons play out in real time. This marked the beginning of a lifelong obsession - throughout life’s various stages, including job changes, children, and cross-country moves, Rob’s bees have been a constant.

Beekeeping, as with any form of agriculture, means dealing with the whims of Mother Nature. Instead of fighting Manitoba’s harsh climate, however, Rob learned to work with the local conditions. He bred his bees to not only withstand but thrive in the prairie’s unique ecosystem. In doing so, he’s built a sustainable beekeeping practice that maximizes honey yield and ensures a strong, healthy bee population.

Rob operates Manitobee out of Winnipeg alongside his wife, Margo. He’s recently retired and has pivoted to focusing on his bees full time. Together, Margo and Rob are committed to offering you some of the best honey and beeswax products the province has to offer!