If the issue is at my end then I must be like hundreds of other users that can't post anymore. I've tried across 3 different devices and I have issues with them all. I used my smartphone to post...
Type: Posts; User: TapTapTap
If the issue is at my end then I must be like hundreds of other users that can't post anymore. I've tried across 3 different devices and I have issues with them all. I used my smartphone to post...
I use two hydrometers during a boil and switch between them. They are kept in a sampling cup containing hot water and resting in the float box to keep hot. The sampling cup for testing is resting...
Why are you thinking of an outside operation if you have a sugarhouse? The sugarhouse is the most expensive part of establishing an operation, aside from land. Buy a used 2x4 rig and build upon the...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uChrkCu67KYuzs4Y7
I frequently use a thermometer in my process.
Ken
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uK4CBFXvqGqdH4n89
Vermont Creamery Mascarpone with maple syrup on top and Stacy's Pita Chips for dipping.
Andy,
I feel for the guy with no sap buyer. I have a good relationship with our syrup buyer and a big part of that is because we sell to them exclusively and they buy all our bulk product. It...
Andy,
I don't think anyone is being left out from the "organic movement". Any size producers can be certified organic so long as they follow the guidelines. The primary limitation for most very...
Hi Andy
Here's my take on organic certification, which I am:
It is a type of 3rd party verification that your operations meet certain health, environment, and sustainability standards. And the...
We are Vermont Proud to have you as our main source of technical wisdom on maple sugaring. Best wishes and enjoy retirement.
You could try holding on to the syrup until later in the year when packers might be more eager to pay more than the current rate. The spring rate seems to have nothing to do with supply and demand. ...
Definitely well worth the trip for me - of course I only traveled 45 minutes from home.
But I could have traveled multiple hours and felt satisfied. Where else could you go to see all the major...
We timed it perfectly and were tapped in the second week of February, just in time for the pre-Valentines day run. It took about a week to tap.
Ken
I suggest planning out about 12 years and base your decision on how you want to operate during that time. Specifically, about what operation mode you'll be in. I'm turning 62 this year and I'm at a...
When possible, I plan to be tapped and ready to receive and boil sap by the middle of February. This year it paid off with 3 February boils starting on Valentine's Day. Had I waited, then my first...
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I agree that it has to do with the connection to the probe.
Ken
The outlet is grounded but the plug is a 2 prong without a ground plug. And 2 of the 3 probes I started with started working fine.
My auto drawoff probe(s) were a challenge this season. I have a reversible syrup pan so I already had two. It was apparent during the first boil that the probe I was running was drifting by several...
We're done too. Did one last boil off today. Started cleaning up and pulling spouts.
Total for season = 649 gallons on about 1,500 taps (.41 gal/tap).
Ken
You should rent a masonry chop saw. I assume that most rental shops have them. We rented one from Got-That in Essex this winter. Whatever you do, be aware of the silica dust potential. The...
Still going out there in Vermont?
I'm planning to boil later tomorrow if I get a good run today once it warms up. I'm about a quarter full on my raw sap tank from the last couple of days and I...
I have a personal weather station consisting of an Ambient WS2000 that is hooked up to weather underground.
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KVTWILLI29
It's easy to set up and...
I'm also confused on your process. But I can comment on the startup process based upon my own experience.
When I first fire up and the rig builds up heat, the two middle channels always heat up...
That sucks. I'm glad no one got hurt. Good luck rebuilding.
And I suggest a little more space than you're currently thinking.
Where in Vermont are you located?
Ken
That sucks. I hope you can finish off the year with a successful boil on your new rig.
Ken
how is your season going? How is the new rig working out?
Ken