Jeremy Sandifer and Kevin Gurtowski recently participated as speakers and demonstrators in the Southern Syrup Research Symposium (SSRS) in Summersville, WV. The Symposium brought together researchers, extension personnel, and producers working in the production of maple and other syrups, to discuss operational issues and to share their knowledge about the syrup industry in general. The panel discussions focused on specific topics, including challenges and opportunities, facing the syrup industry. Discussed topics included diversified land management practices, agroforestry, agritourism, production techniques, alternative crops, spoilage, sanitation and value added products.  Jeremy and Kevin also spoke about the research being conducted at KSU, particularly issues focused on characterization of forest regeneration at or near reclaimed mine lands and it’s suitability for maple syrup production.  In addition, the alternative syrups panel showcased the KSU mobile sorghum press to demonstrate processing and pressing of raw sorghum cane into filtered juice to be evaporated to make molasses.

Figure 1. Kevin Gurtowski describes a custom built sorghum press at Southern Syrup Symposium in West Virginia and discusses efforts to serve the needs of producers in eastern Kentucky.

Figure 2. Jeremy Sandifer leads participants with a hands-on demonstration activity using a custom built sorghum press to produce raw juice at Southern Syrup Symposium in West Virginia.