Ellingson's Inc, Odessa, MN

Introduction / Overview

For local Minnesotans seeking to connect with the state’s rich agricultural heritage and discover high-quality, locally sourced products, the name Ellingson’s Inc in Odessa represents a long-standing tradition of excellence. Established in 1947, Ellingson’s Inc is not a recreational campground in the typical sense of providing tents or RV sites. Instead, it is a prominent, decades-old family-owned business deeply rooted in the agricultural landscape of Western Minnesota, specializing primarily in beekeeping, honey production, and beeswax rendering. While the address places it in the heart of Odessa, its significance lies in its contributions to the local economy and its role as a key producer of some of the finest honey in the region, a product that has been recognized and celebrated at the national level.

This business offers a unique glimpse into the dedicated craft of apiculture and the industry that supports it. Ellingson’s Inc operates a substantial beekeeping operation, managing thousands of colonies to produce their renowned clover and wildflower honey, which has been consistently praised by consumers and even earned a prestigious BLUE ribbon at a National convention. Their facilities in Odessa also include a large-scale wax plant, where they process hundreds of thousands of pounds of beeswax annually. This business embodies the grit and family values of a truly local Minnesota enterprise, offering products and services integral to the beekeeping community and local consumers who value purity and quality.

Location and Accessibility

Ellingson’s Inc is centrally located within the small, agricultural community of Odessa, Minnesota, situated in Big Stone County. The primary business address is 110 1st St, Odessa, MN 56276, USA. This location places the facility in the western part of the state, near the border of South Dakota, an area characterized by vast agricultural fields that are crucial for beekeeping operations.

Odessa is easily accessible for locals traveling across Western Minnesota. The town is a short distance from the larger community of Ortonville, which sits on Big Stone Lake. While the area is rural, its location ensures that the operations are surrounded by the natural environment necessary for high-quality honey production. Visitors interested in the local agricultural scene will find the location straightforward to reach, serving as a hub for regional honey production and distribution. It is a genuine, working business environment, reflective of the dedicated labor that supports Minnesota’s agricultural output.

Services Offered

Ellingson’s Inc provides a range of specialized services focused on the apiculture industry and the consumer market for honey products. It is important to reiterate that this is an agricultural and production facility, not a standard recreational campground or resort.

Honey Production and Sales: They are a major producer of high-quality, local honey, including distinct varietals such as Clover (White Sweet) and Wildflower honey, sourced from both Minnesota and Eastern South Dakota.
Wholesale Distribution: Their honey products are sold and distributed to larger entities, including major packers like Sue Bee, underscoring the scale and quality of their operation.
Beeswax Rendering: The facility in Odessa operates a significant wax rendering plant, processing a large volume of raw beeswax (approximately 200,000 pounds annually), which is a crucial service for the wider beekeeping community.
Beekeeping Support: The company is involved in broader beekeeping activities, including the trucking of hives for commercial pollination services, such as almond pollination in California, and distributing a quality line of woodenware supplies to other beekeepers.
Product Availability: They offer their liquid honey in various container sizes, from small (one pound or less) to medium (one to five pounds), catering to both individual consumers and smaller commercial needs.
Industry Leadership: The involvement of Ellingson’s leadership at the national level, including past roles as President of the American Beekeeping Federation, demonstrates their deep expertise and commitment to the industry.

Features / Highlights

The key features of Ellingson’s Inc are centered around its history, quality, and significant role in the beekeeping trade, offering valuable insights and products for Minnesota residents.

Award-Winning Honey: The company’s Clover honey has achieved national recognition, receiving a highly coveted BLUE ribbon at the National Convention, a testament to the purity and superior flavor of their product.
Generational Family Business: Established in 1947, Ellingson’s Inc represents a three-generation, family-run operation, providing a sense of stability, tradition, and community pride that appeals to local consumers.
Scale of Operation: Managing thousands of colonies and annually rendering a massive volume of beeswax highlights the company's position as a major, influential force in regional and national beekeeping.
Commitment to Diversification: The business’s successful diversification into honey production, wax rendering, pollination services, and supply distribution is a hallmark of resilient and forward-thinking Minnesota agriculture.
Local Sourcing: The company focuses on producing honey from the distinct floral sources of Western Minnesota and Eastern South Dakota, providing local users with a true taste of the prairie environment.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to their honey products, beeswax rendering services, or other business matters, please use the following contact details:

Address: 110 1st St, Odessa, MN 56276, USA

Phone: (320) 273-2110

Toll-Free Phone: (888) 273-2300

Additional Phone: (320) 839-6269

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

While Ellingson’s Inc does not offer recreational camping, it is highly suitable for Minnesota locals who value local commerce, agricultural quality, and superior food products. For residents, supporting Ellingson’s Inc means purchasing a product directly linked to the Minnesota landscape, recognized nationally for its excellence. The company offers a genuine taste of the region—its award-winning clover and wildflower honey is a direct, delicious result of the surrounding fields and dedicated management.

Moreover, for the agricultural community, particularly those involved in beekeeping or related trades, Ellingson's Inc is an indispensable resource. It serves as a local hub for necessary services like beeswax rendering and supplies. Choosing Ellingson’s Inc allows Minnesotans to participate in a piece of living history—a successful, multi-generational family business that has contributed to the state’s agricultural reputation for over seven decades, offering quality, tradition, and a product that truly stands out.