In this episode, I sit down with Ian Steppler of Steppler Farms in Manitoba to talk about large-scale commercial beekeeping, overwintering strategies, and how operations evolve from a few backyard hives into thousands of colonies. We cover indoor wintering facilities, honey marketing, equipment innovations, and the realities of running bees in a cold Canadian climate.

This conversation offers insight into how commercial beekeepers think about efficiency, sustainability, and long-term colony health.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Ian’s journey from a handful of hives to a large commercial operation
• Indoor wintering buildings and maintaining colonies at controlled temperatures
• Ventilation management and moisture control during long winters
• Cooperative honey marketing through Bee Maid
• Varroa management in a large-scale operation
• Reinfestation pressure and regional coordination challenges
• Equipment efficiency, including the Easy Loader system
• Balancing agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship
• Practical advice for new beekeepers looking to scale responsibly

Why Listen to This Episode?

This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at commercial beekeeping and the management systems required to sustain thousands of colonies through harsh winters.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Referenced Resources:

📺 A Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog

https://www.youtube.com/@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 650,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper

Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/

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