The Michigan Maple Syrup Association annual meeting took place in Mt Pleasant at the Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel and Conference Center January 18th with an estimated 200 plus members and guests attending. The two-day event included presentations, breakout sessions and Dr. Tim Perkins (Director-University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center addressing the association on the “Factors Affecting Sap Yields from Maple Trees”.  The annual meeting hosts a variety of subject related presentations and includes a Maple Syrup/value added products judging contest. This year’s local maple syrup producer, Thomas & Karla Bardwell of Caro, Michigan’s MapleWorxz® was awarded the associations top recognition for their Amber Maple Syrup. In addition, MapleWorxz® was also awarded the “Best of Show” for all the entries submitted which included, maple candy, cream and the four grades of syrup: Golden Delicate, Amber Rich, Dark Robust and Very Dark.

MMSA Secretary presenting MapleWorxz with the top award for their Amber Maple Syrup

MMSA award for Best of Show for all maple products.

The MMSA promotes education and family involvement in Michigan’s maple syrup agri-businesses who produce and distribute a variety of maple syrup value added products. The Maple Syrup Digest lists Michigan as the fourth largest in number of syrup operations (875) with New York (1675), Vermont (1411), and Wisconsin (1399) taking the top three. According to the 2019 report released by Consumer Goods, Michigan produced 195,000 gallons of Maple Syrup compared to Vermont who produced 2,070,000 gallons.

MapleWorxz® will be having an open house on Saturday March 21 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for anyone who would like to visit and see how Maple Syrup is made. Further information can be found at mapleworxz.com blog.