Maple syrup as a full time business, is it possible???

I have a couple of quick questions as I am considering the remote possiblility of starting a sugaring business in the next 5-10 years.

1. Is it actually possible to support a family on maple syrup or would a second stream of income be needed.
2. What would the costs be to start, assuming a building is already in place. What type of an initial investment would be reasonable to grow from a hobby to a business and have it be self sustaining?
3. Were your goals when you first started to jump into a business or did it evolve into one?

I cannot seem to find any reputable information anywhere about starting it as a business, just as a hobby. I appreciate your time, again I am probably 5-10 years away since my wife is pregnant and my daughter is 1 1/2 years old, if this even happens at all! Thank you again for any advice you could provide me, take care,
-Dave

Hi Dave,

Just thought I'd chime in with one suggestion....I think it would be better to evolve into a business than jump in. Even growing into it you are going to learn something new every year.

I've been personally sugaring for 20 years now, but it goes way back in my family whocame to CT from Vermont. I always wanted to do it and just started slow. There's a lot to learn, just like any other agricultural job. I'd love to make a living off it and think I can get there and I'm hoping that it will coincide with an early retirement and be able to spend more time with my young kids. Nights and weekends just aren't enough!

Dave

p.s. You might want to post something in the Business side of things forum in case someone misses this post.

Hi Dave, thanks for the advice, makes sense. I am new to this forum but I will definiteley post it in the business section also. Sounds like an early retirement would be perfect for you! Thanks again for your help, looks like many great people on this site willing to help each other, I am glad I found it!

Anybody that I know who does maple as their sole source of income does far more than just make syrup. They have pancake houses, sell firewood, do bus tours, team building workshops, weddings, etc... Do your research and come up with a business plan before jumping in with both feet.

Good luck and have fun with it!

Thank you EnnisMaple. I just checked out your website, wonderful! Very impressive, I love the newsletter. I agree with you that diversification is key in any business venture. The good news is that in my minds eye of 5-10 years I have enough time to think about other activities that would help supplement income. Thanks again!

Hi Dave,

Just found your post. Have you ever gon to the Hebron Maple Feast? There are some great sources of info there too. Business plan probably a good bet!

NEWBEE in Broad Brook

I started this thread a couple years ago and I am curious if any hobby producers made the jump to commercial, even if not full time? If so was it everything you thought it would be, is the money better or worse? Any difficulty moving the product? etc? This thread should have been in the business section, so if there is an administrator reading this feel free to move it. Thanks!

I have posted before on this in other threads, I believe it takes 5000 taps to make a living. And saying that it would require you to sell as much as possible retail. Now to sell all wholesale, 10000 taps would be where you want to be.

I would say Thad is 100% right on.

Spud

I think it also really depends on your lifestyle and family needs. i.e. just you and the misses where the misses has a deent job with benefits, probably could make a go of it. but maple as the sole family provider..different story