Success StoryMaple Syrup School Draws New Producers



Maple Syrup School Draws New Producers

Author: Brian Jeffiers

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Forestry Industry Education

Plan of Work: Sustainable Farming

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Eastern Kentucky includes thousands of acres of trees, many of which are various maples. Yet despite the presence of this obvious resource, few landowners have explored the possibility of producing maple syrup. This began to change in the late 2010's, when a few farms began to produce maple syrup. Their success has begun to draw the attention of other interested producers while simultaneously highlighting the deficit of knowledge about production of maple syrup.

To address these needs, the County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources in four eastern Kentucky counties worked with specialists, producers, and industry experts to develop the first Kentucky Maple Syrup School. Held in Prestonsburg, the event brought together roughly 20 producers and potential producers from throughout the region, who reported that they gained knowledge from the event's instruction on sap collection techniques, cooking methods, forest health, packaging requirements, and backyard production systems.







Stories by Brian Jeffiers


UK Helps Farm Family Navigate Post-COVID Cattle Slaughter

about 4 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

With outbreaks of coronavirus at commercial processing facilities, beef consumers and producers coul... Read More


Fertilizer Program Improves Hay Yields

about 4 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

With many acres of strip-mined land dedicated to hay production, Johnson County farmers requested ed... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


4-H Grows with Gardening and a Pollinator Pavillion

4-H Grows with Gardening and a Pollinator Pavillion

about 4 years ago by Dianna Reed

The Johnson County Extension Council, 4-H Program Council and State 4-H Office identified Agricultur... Read More


4-H Shutterbug Shut In's Shine

4-H Shutterbug Shut In's Shine

about 4 years ago by Dianna Reed

In March of 2020, the Johnson Cooperative Extension Service along with government officials, local l... Read More


Stories by Forestry Industry Education


Small Scale Logging Equipment- Cutting and Moving Logs Using ATV's and Farm Tractors- Wood Recovery- Management Options for Small Wooded Properties

about 4 years ago by Chad Niman

The annual Small Scale Logging Equipment Program showcases several pieces of small equipment options... Read More


Kentucky Quality Hardwoods Inspection and Grading Program

about 4 years ago by Chad Niman

Lumber manufacturing (primary industry) and sales are a significant contributor to the Kentucky econ... Read More