About Us

Fair Winds & Following Bees Farm LLC is owned by Carol Apelt and Paul Prokopovich. The farm is named in honor of Paul’s twenty years of service in the United States Navy, where he piloted F-14s and served in a variety of leadership positions.  He is retired from active duty but continues to serve the Navy as a government civilian today. In 2018, he discovered beekeeping, finding the bee ecosystem and complex community structure fascinating and enjoying the hands-on aspects. Paul is a native of Pittsburgh, holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, Air War College, and Troy University, and is the proud father of two children.

Carol was raised on a small horse farm outside of Austin, part of a family of ranchers that stretches across Texas. She has made service a focus of her career, serving non-profits, political organizations, the federal government, start-ups, and the emergency management community. Fair Winds & Following Bees is a long dreamt-of return to her roots (though her two mares think the farm belongs to them). She is equally comfortable in western, dressage, and hunter-jumper disciplines, and loves a good trail ride. Carol holds degrees from Southern Methodist University and George Mason University.

We invite you to join us in our love of horses, bees, and the beautiful Nokesville scenery this farm has to offer.