Nestled in the heart of Swan River Valley, Eckhard and Katharina Rinsdorf have built a thriving beekeeping operation in Minitonas, Manitoba. Originally from Germany, the Rinsdorf family emigrated to Canada in 2000 with a dream of turning a beloved hobby into a full-time profession. What began with just a few beehives in the Pretty Valley school district has flourished into an expansive apiary of 2,000 honey-producing colonies and 1,000 nucs. Since joining the BeeMaid Honey co-op in 2002, their business has grown, supported by a dedicated seasonal team of up to 16 employees during peak harvest. Producing high-quality Canadian honey remains their primary focus, but they also rear queens and sell hives as far north as Thompson and Snow Lake, ensuring the next generation of beekeepers have strong, healthy colonies to work with.
The Swan River Valley provides a rich environment for their bees, with fields of canola stretching between the Duck and Porcupine Mountains. However, this picturesque setting comes with challenges—namely, a high population of black bears. To protect their hives, the Rinsdorfs have implemented extensive fencing, but the occasional visit from raccoons and skunks keeps them on their toes. Despite these obstacles, Eckhard finds deep fulfillment in his work, especially the teamwork and efficiency of the bees themselves. For him, nothing is more rewarding than sitting by the hives after a long day, listening to the soothing buzz of his industrious colonies (and of course, enjoying some delicious honey).
As they continue to grow their family business, Eckhard and Katharina take pride in knowing that their bees are enriching the entire ecosystem. The abundance of berries around their apiaries, thanks to pollination, sustains local wildlife, from birds to bears. Their passion for beekeeping is matched by their appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication required to produce every jar of honey. After 22 seasons of delivering honey to BeeMaid, they are grateful to focus on their bees while the co-op ensures their honey reaches tables across Canada. With their son and daughter-in-law eager to carry on the legacy, the future of Pretty Valley Honey looks as bright and golden as the honey they harvest.
645 Black Diamond Blvd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada, R2J 4M7
Téléphone 204-786-8977
Télécopieur 1-866-788-8030
Courriel 204-783-8468
