or Tree Hugger vs Syrup Producer
by Tina Barton, Webmaster, WVMSPA
I have learned a great deal by being part of the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association. I still have a lot to learn, for sure, and I really need to get signed up for some of the training programs I’m always advertising. I like to think of myself as a smart person. But I’m only willing to learn what I need to learn to accomplish my tasks. That’s why I wasn’t a very devoted research mathematician back in the day. I would sit through mathematical talks and gape, and nod off, and yawn, and squiggle. I knew in my heart that I COULD learn what the talk du jour was about if I tried, or needed to, but the incredible people around me could sit there, absorb it all on the spot, ask intelligent questions, and make brilliant suggestions. But there was a niche for me at work because I loved to write code and solve problems. I feel the same way here.
I understand the improvements in efficiency and profit when using gravity and/or pumps, webs of tubing that run sap straight into the sugar shack, reverse osmosis and large flat evaporator pans, defoamers, filter presses, etc. I am amazed by the farmers who have high-tech indicators that tell them they have a leak in a tube thanks to some interloping squirrel or chipmunk, and indicators that tell them a pump is not running when it should etc. But I sit there with a quizzical look when people talk about whether 3/16″ tubing with 5/16″ taps leads to higher yield – and when I ask how the 5/16″ tap is attached to the 3/16″ tubing I get a quizzical look right back, because obviously everyone knew they were talking about lateral lines and not drop lines!
Meanwhile, I am ordering 24 buckets and lids, with the spouts with hooks to hold the buckets. In the end, I’m out there to commune with my trees and try to get a delicious product from my farm for my friends and family without having to dig in dirt. In other words, low tech! I think there is room for every level of producer in this organization, and every producer can get exactly what they need. That’s the beauty of it!
I am constantly amazed at how this organization is such a fantastic resource for both novice producers and experts, for those with 30 taps and those with thousands. It’s a great group of people, and I’m really glad I found it!