Sugaring Business Plan

[ascutneymaple]

Does anyone have a business plan for their sugaring operation that they would be willing to share? I am writing one and am just trying to get some ideas. It would be greatly appreciated.

[backyardsugarer]

First write down everything you have for sugaring and the length of time you will depreciate it over. Then estimate annual costs (fuel, jugs, taps, tubing, insurance) then estimate how much syrup you would make in an average year (1 quart per tap). calculate the retail value for that syrup in your area to figure out your possible gross income. Subtract that from your expenses and depreciated equipment to get you potential bottom line. This way you will know if you are making money. That is the financial side in a nutshell, but don't forget marketing and your time and paying any leases or help you may have. This is the process I went through with my accountant. Good luck.

Chris

[PapaSmiff]

While I was researching the Maple Syrup Production Process, I came across some documents that may help. Although they are not a "business plan", they can be used as research material to create your own.

Cornell Maple Program
http://www.cornellmaple.info

The publications are here:
http://maple.dnr.cornell.edu/pubs/index.htm

I also found an "Annual Maple Sugaring Earnings Worksheet" from the VT Maple School - UVM Extension program.
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmaple/?Page=onlinepublications.html

You can alsy try the University of Main Cooperative Extension program
http://extension.umaine.edu

This might get you started.

[BoarsNest]

As much as it pains me to recommend something from Ohio State.

Check out the North American Maple Syrup Producers Manual. My wife gave it to me for Christmas this year and it was an excellent resource.