Learn all about Maple Sugaring (online course)
Introduction to Maple Syrup Production (BF 151)
Tues. Jan 12 – Feb. 16, 2016.
Webinars will be on Tues. evenings from 6:30-8pm EST
http://www.nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses/all-courses/introduction-to-maple-syrup-production-bf-151/
This online course explores the possibilities of maple sugaring on your land – be it for supplemental income or for your livelihood. The material presented will assume little past knowledge of sugaring, but a background in agriculture or forestry will be very helpful.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Identify the potential opportunities for producing maple sap and syrup on your land
• Develop and manage a forest stand for optimal maple sap production and long-term health and productivity
• Understand the costs and benefits of utilizing buckets, bags, gravity tubing, or vacuum enhanced tubing systems to gather sap
• Design a maple tubing system to achieve maximum sap yields in a cost-effective manner
• Understand the pros and cons and logistics of buying sap or leasing taps as a means of expanding your production
• Process sap in to syrup in a cost effective manner that is appropriate for the size of the operation
• Filter, package, and label maple syrup for sale according to the new grading system developed by the International Maple Syrup Institute
• Develop a basic business plan for a successful sugaring operation
Instructors
Michael Farrell is the Director of the Uihlein Forest- Cornell University’s Maple Syrup Research & Extension Field Station in Lake Placid, NY and author of The Sugarmaker’s Companion
Steve Gabriel is an agroforestry specialist with the Cornell Small Farms Program, and co-owner of Wellspring Forest Farm.
MORE INFO & REGISTRATION:
http://www.nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses/all-courses/introduction-to-maple-syrup-production-bf-151/
