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


Hay Contest Revamped, Expanded, and Still Helping Farmers

about 3 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

Proper nutrition of livestock relies on understanding the content of the feedstuffs being provided t... Read More


Farmers Learn Strategies for Improving Hay

about 3 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

Producing quality stored forage is essential for optimum livestock nutrition. After poor hay quality... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


Paint Creek Park Project-Bringing Hope

Paint Creek Park Project-Bringing Hope

about 4 years ago by Brenda Cockerham

Paintings in Paintsville is a mural project hosted in the center of Paintsville in Johnson County. T... Read More


Fall Seed Planting initiative

Fall Seed Planting initiative

about 4 years ago by Brenda Cockerham

60 sets of seeds, 30 gardening calendars (until supplies ran out) and informative packets were distr... Read More