vacuum transfer in tubing systems

[red maples]

[quote=Finally.....if you think this makes you shake your head.....the truly revolutionary stuff is about 5-10 years away. We won't talk about that for at least 2-4 years until we're fully convinced (don't bother asking). If it does work as we think it does....all I can say is.....buy bigger storage tanks and a larger RO.[/QUOTE]

So now you got me thinking about this statement and I won't ask!!!!

but the thing that worries me a little is as we get more effiecient, better evaps (and all that go with them), ROs, Higher Vacuum, and all sorts of tech. improving everything, then will the prices drop and the demand go down because we are too Effcient. Similiar to assembly lines run by robots to keep costs down. I don't think The market for the little guy like myself and others on here will be effected that badly because of the high demand for local farming. but will the bulk prices as a commodity drop on the global market?? or will it just re-adjust itself over time.

Don't get me wrong I like progress but just curious.

[Haynes Forest Products]

IF MAPLE SYRUP WAS OIL????...................Why do we think the same principals dont apply. More supply ...lower price........we get better at bringing it to market......people use more at the lower price......people find new uses.......demand goes up as more people use it........prices go up..we produce more......prices go down.......more people start using it.

Along the way producers (you and me) invest more money to produce it faster and some producers quit because they cant keep up or cant afford to do it.

[DrTimPerkins]

Originally Posted by red maples

.....but the thing that worries me a little is as we get more effiecient, better evaps (and all that go with them), ROs, Higher Vacuum, and all sorts of tech. improving everything, then will the prices drop and the demand go down because we are too Effcient.

Most likely won't be a problem. Not everyone adopts new technology, and even those that do don't do so all at the same time. So the ramp up of production would be gradual.

As bad as over-production can be, under-production is just as bad. When under-production occurs, the bulk price goes up (maple producers happy), the price for syrup in the large markets goes sky-high, and over the next year maple loses market share compared to other sweeteners (large markets don't like wide price swings or lack of availability of ingredients), and the price drops (maple producers unhappy). So there is danger both ways. What we're trying to do is to find ways to stabilize production....it may be at a higher level, but it will be more stable. The producers using high yield techniques don't normally see such huge swings in production from year to year.

[Maplewalnut]

I'm not too concerned with all the technology advances dropping prices either. will it become more of a commodity-probably. It there a world of untapped venues out there for the energetic producer with an eye on marketing-absolutley. Don't forget we produce a product that can only be 'grown' in roughly 15% of the country.

Now, if you told me the highs would be in the 40's and lows in 20's from feb-through april each year I would be a little more concerned but not much.

The other thing to do is purchase all your capital equipment now while prices are still up. Between depreciation and the syrup you make most is paid off in a few years and everything after that is gravy! (or medium amber)

[ennismaple]

Originally Posted by DrTimPerkins

Finally.....if you think this makes you shake your head.....the truly revolutionary stuff is about 5-10 years away. We won't talk about that for at least 2-4 years until we're fully convinced (don't bother asking). If it does work as we think it does....all I can say is.....buy bigger storage tanks and a larger RO.

Sounds good to me - I'll order 2 of whatever "it" is!

I'm all for change if it's for the right reasons. I prefer to look at parts of our operation and think if there is a better/faster/cheaper way to do things. Just because we've always done something a certain way isn't a good enough reason to continue. If you're not evolving with the times you're falling behind!!!

[red maples]

OH of course you need to get better every year thats almost everyone's goal I was just curious what the thoughts are on that.

I think maple as a sweetener is very important as it is about as natural as you can get!!! which is in a very high demand right now.

[maple flats]

I think the demand world wide has lots of potential for gowth yet. There have been good increases there but that will be the final answer. If we can develope and satisfy year in and year out the greater demand the price will be healthy. The worst part is too much fluxuation in production with too little reserve to offset a poor season. We are the only place in the world that makes maple syrup and a bigger market is needed to balance the prices. (But I think I heard that China has planted lots of sugarmaples)

[farmall h]

Just read in the paper the other day that Maple Grove is stopping their public tours due to possible product contamination per rules and regulations passed down by their corporate buyers...such a shame as to the world we live in today.

How do I post a new thread? This couldn't have been right.

[DrTimPerkins]

Originally Posted by farmall h

How do I post a new thread? This couldn't have been right.

Goto: http://mapletrader.com/community/forumdisplay.php?f=5 Click the correct forum for the post you want to make, then click on the "New Thread" link in the upper left.

[Bucket Head]

I know Farmall's post was off topic, but I have to agree with him. It really is a shame that the tours have to stop because of fear. Very sad commentary on the world we live in. I never thought I would ever read a thread that had both sugaring and terrorism in it.

Maybe Maple Grove will reconsider after they realize the decision was not good for public relations.

Allright, back to vacuum discussions.

Steve