More About Smitty Bee Honey:

Doug Schmitz, owner of Smitty Bee Honey, has been in the bee and honey business for all of his life.  Doug's grandfather, Louis Henkelman, started keeping bees in Defiance, Iowa back in the 1920's.  In 1958, Doug's father, LaVern "Smitty" Schmitz, started working for his father-in-law in the bee yards.  Over the years, LaVern bought into the business and developed the name Smitty Bee Honey.  Doug grew up working with his father, and in 1984 began producing and packing honey with his family for the retail and food service markets.  As the farming industry changed, the local honey yields became scarce and in 2004, Doug sold his bees to focus solely on packing.  Doug's son, Tony Schmitz, is the fourth generation of Smitty Bee Honey.  Tony joined the team fulltime in 2004 as the General Manager.

Our retail store and bottling plant is right in the heart of Defiance at 208 Main Avenue. Defiance, Iowa is a tiny little town - but a sweet one.  Stop by if you're in the area and check out our giftshop!

Thank You! Doug Schmitz, owner Smitty Bee Honey Po Box 219  208 Main Avenue Defiance, IA 51527