Hello Everyone!

[Faewood]

Hey there, everyone!

I've been following this forum for quite some time now and just now decided to register and post. I'll be buying a property in southern VT this spring (fingers crossed!) that will have about 8k taps with the possible expansion of over 10k.

As a family farm, it will be on the wife and me, as well as our kids, to do the tapping/checking/boiling etc but I actually look forward to it. I've been in trades my whole life between irrigation and boiler units and multiple types of farming has always been there as well. Being my own 'boss' appeals to me and I am excited to finally have my own sugarbush to do so.

I'm working with the fellas at PMRC for my business plan and financial details and so far Mark Cannella and Mark Isselhardt have been EXCELLENT resources. I know a ton of you have some great perspectives as well and please feel free to shout out anytime.

My sugarhouse won't have power, despite the excellent slope, and it's too far from the road to warrant the expense. So, I'll be on a generator for RO, pumps, lights, and such. I am undecided if I want to filter press with DE or go cone filters for organic cert. I welcome the perspectives any of you have!

Anyway, ((waving)) I wanted to say hello to you all!

Cheers,

Faewood Farmer

[maple flats]

Very likely cone filters would be a nightmare with 8K or more taps, but a bunch of flat filters would work. Talk with someone who has run a large operation to find out how many flat filter set up's you might need. The last time I did flat filters I only had a 16x24 filter set up and about 230 taps. You would need far far more filter area.

[minehart gap]

Faewood, best of luck with your new operation.
Reading through your post, you are doing something that I did and kind of wish I could change. I understand why you are placing your sugar shack at the low point but before you do, research your RO. Most of them lose the warranty if you are powering it with a generator or you could go with a gas powered RO but as you expanding, you will most likely want electric more and more.
I believe that if I had it to do over, I would at least consider placing a pump shack at the low point and locating the sugar shack near electric and easier access for both you and potential customers. I will most likely be turning my sugar shack into a pump house someday and building a new sugar shack with electricity. Just my thoughts.