Introducing
DEes Bees
Dees Bees Apiary is dedicated to producing premium raw honey in the Sandhills of North Carolina. What started as a passion for beekeeping has become a way of life.
A Tradition Rooted in Beekeeping
Dees Bees Apiary is owned and operated by Donald Dees, a lifelong beekeeper, U.S. Army veteran (82nd Airborne Infantry, Fort Bragg), Certified Honey Producer, and lifetime member of the North Carolina Beekeepers Association.
Located in the Sandhills region of southern North Carolina, Dees Bees carries forward a deep family tradition in beekeeping that spans eight generations. Donald’s introduction to bees began in the mid-1970s while working on his uncle’s long-established bee farm.
Some of his earliest memories involve hauling bee hives down rural back roads at 2 a.m. through Scotland, Robeson, and Moore counties. Driving a 1957 Chevy loaded with bees, he learned the rhythms of the craft—long nights, early mornings, and the steady work required to care for healthy colonies. A quick stop at the Johns Station convenience store for a corndog and a Mountain Dew before getting back on the road was often the only break before finishing up around daybreak.
Life eventually took Donald through college, four years of military service, and a long career as a clinical laboratory technician, but the pull of beekeeping never went away.
In 2015, Dees Bees Apiary began with just six hobby hives. What started as a small personal project quickly grew—expanding to 15 hives the following year, then 25, and eventually more than 50 active hives across southern Moore County. After several years of learning, refining techniques, and growing the operation, Dees Bees Apiary, LLC was officially established in 2018.
Today, Dees Bees produces premium raw local honey while continuing to support the community through education, outreach, and local initiatives that promote honeybee health and awareness.
Operating in the Sandhills means working with the natural rhythms of the region. The honey flow typically begins in early April and runs through mid to late June, producing honey with the distinctive flavors of the local landscape.
At its heart, Dees Bees Apiary is about tradition, stewardship, and a lifelong respect for the honeybee.
DONATE TO THE CAUSE
Help Us Help the Bees
Healthy bee habitat is essential for strong colonies and quality honey. Dees Bees is committed to acquiring and maintaining rural habitat that supports pollinators and sustainable beekeeping.
Your support helps us expand apiaries, protect forage areas, and continue producing local honey for our community.
Every contribution—large or small—helps the bees thrive.
Stay in the Loop
Honey harvests don’t last forever—and our jars often sell out quickly. Sign up for the Dees Bees Apiary email list to be the first to know when fresh honey and seasonal harvests are available.