Maple syrup producer uses technology to improve process

11 Jun 2018


Pierce

A local producer said making maple syrup is a craft, just like making a craft beer or wine. And the making of maple syrup, he said, is the fun part of the operation where memories are made.

Steve Wood, owner of Wood's Maple Orchard near Elmwood, will be retiring soon and his son and grandson will take over the business. Wood learned the business from his dad and was happy to continue the tradition with his son and grandson.

"My dad, he was my teacher," Wood said. "He liked really fancy maple syrup."

Wood said they have about 15,000 taps out in the woods this year and about 50 miles of lateral tubing. Every year they put new taps in right after Christmas and if the sap runs early, they are usually prepared.

"Last year we ran some [sap] early February," Wood said. "By a stroke of luck we were ready."

This year, Wood said they've added a new feature to the operation. Sensors were installed on the lines, allowing them to monitor them to see if there are any problems.

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