Maple Syrup Farm Tour

Interest in Kentucky-made maple syrup has increased over the past several years. We often don’t think about maple syrup being produced in the mountains of Kentucky, but a growing number of folks are doing just that, including several farmers in and around Clay County.

There are several reasons for this uptick in interest. We have an abundance of maple trees, and syrup production can generate revenue from land that’s too steep to produce traditional farm crops. In addition, syrup production takes place in the winter, during a time when most other farm work has slowed down. Finally, many people have discovered that locally-produced maple syrup is delicious, and that’s good for both farmers and those of us eating the food.    

The Kentucky Maple Syrup Association and UK Cooperative Extension are partnering on a series of tours of Kentucky maple syrup operations this fall. One of these tours will be hosted by local producer Jimmie Sizemore at his farm on Buzzard (591 Sarvis Branch Rd, Manchester, KY) on October 11^th from 3-6PM. This free event will include a tour of Jimmie’s operation, a presentation about funding assistance for new syrup producers, an open Q & A session, and a catered meal. Space is limited. Registration is required. To register scan the QR code, visit https://ky-maplesyrup.ca.uky.edu/workshops or call the Clay County Extension Office at 606-598-2789 ASAP. Pre-registration is required by October 7^th @ 5PM.