Success StoryKentucky Maple School Goes Virtual in 2020



Kentucky Maple School Goes Virtual in 2020

Author: Shad Baker

Planning Unit: Letcher County CES

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Plan of Work: AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT--2020

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The fourth annual Kentucky Maple School, hosted by the UK Cooperative Extension Service agents and specialists, was transitioned to a virtual format to insure public safety while continuing to advance Kentucky's developing maple syrup industry. Agriculture & Natural Resources agents, Shad Baker and Jeremy Williams, worked with the UK Forestry Department to coordinate the technical components, advertise the meeting, and recruit the speakers. Topics included growing your operation from 25 to 125,000 taps, taught by Glen Goodrich, the 6th largest maple producer in the US, syrups from other trees, taught by Kate Fotos of Future Generations University, and value-added products, taught by Ben McKenney, a 3rd generation maple producer from Maine. Nearly 90 participants joined the virtual sessions and more have watched the recording hosted by UK Forestry. Participants verbally reported plans to expand their operations, despite the difficulties of the pandemic.






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