ZEHNER, Sask. — Business is buzzing for Zee-Bee Honey, a business that evolved from Michelle Frisch-holz’s hobby.
Zee-Bee Honey, a privately owned company near Regina, produces 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of honey per year for farmers markets and stores across Saskatchewan. It also produces candles made from the beeswax and honey flavoured with such tastes as lemon, orange spice and ginger.
“I think it’s still a hobby, one that’s gone crazy,” said Michelle, who started with two hives in 2006.
“My uncle had bees and I guess that piqued my interest,” she said.
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Her passion for beekeeping quickly expanded when she joined the Regina and District Bee Club, meeting other bee enthusiasts and getting industry tips.
She started from the organic farm she operates with her husband, Perry, purchasing an extractor and in-creasing the hives to 100.
In 2008, her business was inspected and registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Key to effective beekeeper is sustainable farming practices. The couple provides ample space and diverse vegetation for the bees.
Perry said the bees have been a good fit for the farm.
“The bees have provided a good source of diversification for our farming operation. They complement our grain crops and seed production,” he said.
Michelle said they have much natural bush on their land. They planted sainfoin, a legume similar to alfalfa, for the bees so they always have something blooming. They also have fruit trees, dandelions, caraganas and buffalo berries.
Disease control and harsh winters are among key challenges to raising bees. However, their bees have not suffered significant mite infestation, and their colonies have been largely spared from high winter losses.
Marketing was a challenge initially so Michelle joined the Regina Farmers’ Market, where she sells her products two days a week from May to October. She also joined groups like Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, which helped create a business plan and get her product into stores.
From there, Michelle said it has largely been customer referrals that has allowed Zee-Bee’s honey to be picked up by restaurants, retail outlets, butcher shops, bakeries, cafes, boutiques and other stores around Saskatchewan.
“It’s really word of mouth. Sometimes stores will come to the farmers market looking for a local producer, other times they’ll call me in and ask for a demonstration,” she said.
Zee-Bee is also a member of the Saskatchewan Trade Export Partnership, which has helped them to start expanding into markets in Alberta and Ontario.
“Expansions to our ‘hobby’ is happening whether we like it or not,” Michelle said.
