We have recently returned from the 2011 Vermont Maple Festival.

It is always so much fun.  It’s like a huge family reunion.  You get the chance to talk with fellow Maple Producers and future Maple Producers from across the US and Canada.  We visited Leader Evaporator, CDL, and LaPierre.  The “actual Maple Festival” is in St. Albans and they have a variety of activities there.  We didn’t make it there this year as some of us like to talk more than others – it was a great time!

It amazes me how much technology has changed over the years.  I can remember growing up with 3,000 buckets, a gas powered tapping machine that fastened on your back (similar to the way a pack fastens on), a wood-fired evaporator, the list goes on and on.  I can remember just recently thinking we’d made great strives when we added a pre-heater and oil-fired evaporator, and then a hand held Ryobi tapper.  Now we are using Reverse Osmosis (RO), have a pre-heater hood for more efficiency, automatic draw offs, and battery powered drills (much lighter) to tap with, etc.  I’ve learned a couple of things:  1) there is always more to learn!  and 2) You can get to the end result in a variety of ways.

Well, not only did we have a great time socializing, we came back with some new items!  Please watch for future posts featuring these new items.

Until next time.~Lori