In the years following the tobacco quota buyout and the end of the tobacco program, farms in Eastern Kentucky have been focused on diversification and discovering new ways to generate revenue. This holds true not only for established farmers but also for those who are new to the area.

One such new farmer contacted the Johnson Co. Extension Office for advice on enterprises to explore for a plot of roughly 30 acres with significant forest cover. After discussing the farmer’s plans and resources, the county extension agent mentioned, among other options, maple syrup as a possibility for the farm.

The farmer took this idea and ran with it, contacting state foresters for a site visit. They determined that his population of maple trees was very large. He then contacted experienced producers he’d been connected with by the agent and started to develop his operation.

Today he not only has a fast-growing maple syrup enterprise, he is also sharing and expanding his knowledge through the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association and has helped present a program to other aspiring syrup producers through a workshop held at the Johnson County Extension Office.