Michael Young lives in a Georgian Village known as Royal Hillsborough, the residence of His Royal Highness King Charles.

IN 1997 Michael Founded the Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers modelled on Dr Keith Delapanes Young Harris Beekeeping Institute Hiawassee after his first visit to Young Harris and the States in 1999.

Michael and his friend Robert Brewer initiated and founded the Welsh Honey Judge Program, which started at the Young Harris Beekeeping Institute in 2000. Michael is no stranger to our shores and is constantly available for Honey Judge training at the University of Florida Bee College and Young Harris Beekeeping Institute. Michael is now part of the American Bee Council, working alongside Brutz English, Steve Genta, and others.

Michael is very active in the bee world and has been made Honouree member of 6 different Beekeeping Associations.

Michael is the most qualified Honey Judge Internationally, a Senior Honey Judge, and an expert showman in exhibiting beekeeping products worldwide. Michael decided to hang his hat up with a showing just before COVID-19 and collected 26 Firsts and 3 seconds. He has collected over 900 prize cards for his wares. He is skilled in many areas of apiculture, including beeswax models, encaustic painting, and mead-making. Michael was the second person only in Ireland to use Langstroth hives.

A lover of nature, fishing, gardening, and photography, he also has a passion for orchids and painting in oils and watercolours. In 2008, Michael was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire, MBE, from His Royal Highness King Charles, an avid beekeeper.

This award was for his services to apiculture and conservation on both sides of the Atlantic. However, Michael’s most proud accomplishments are his 4 beautiful daughters, five granddaughters, and three grandsons. His most famous possession is a Harley Davidson Fat Boy.

Michael’s topics for the Bee Expo:

Seeing the Light

A discussion and hands-on “The History and How to Prepare Beeswax Candles ~ Using a candle mold for making a fine cuisine dessert.