While I'm a small producer it is not because that is all I can sell, it is because I have slowed down due to my age. I do not try to scalp the customer, but I sell at what I feel is the fairest compromise in price for the customer and me. If you want to see my prices, the link is at the bottom of my signature at the bottom of this post.
My sales gain strength every year as more and more of my customers tell their friends and associates about my syrup. I do not buy the comment that modern tubing systems and vacuum have created an over supply. I think we all just need to add to our customer base. Since about 75% of my sales are online and shipped, my neighbor is also not my enemy either. We are all in this together, but not all of us are doing enough to expand our markets. Many don't even try to retail and sell everything or at least the lion's share of their production to bulk buyers. That, coupled with the Canadian exchange rate have cut the bulk prices.
Bruce Bascom says in his catalog that world wide syrup use is growing by 7% every year, what are you doing to make your retail sales grow by 7% or more? There lies the issue.
Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.