The farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program will conduct a series of maple industry workshops in September in cooperation with the New York State Maple Producers Association and Cornell Cooperative Extension associations of NNY. Dr. Michael Farrell, director of the Cornell Uihlein Maple Research Forest in Lake Placid, NY, will present data from the 2016 sugaring season in Northern New York at each program.
Dr. Farrell will focus particularly on the use of 3/16-inch tubing for natural vacuum sap collection and the latest best practices for optimal sugarbush management. Organizers suggest footwear and attire appropriate for sugarbush tours at each site.
The workshop schedule includes:
. Friday, September 16, 4:00-6:00 pm, Uihlein Maple Research Forest, 157 Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid, free admission to workshop. The Northeastern New York Maple Producers Association will hold a 6 to 7:30 pm dinner at Heaven Hill Farm, located next to the research forest, following the workshop for $10 person for Association members, $25 for non-members; pre-paid reservations required, contact Uihlein Maple Research Forest at 518-523-9337.
. Saturday, September 17, 9 am-12 pm, Dr. Sam Yancey Sugarbush, 9430 State Route 812, Croghan, free admission. The program will begin at the sugarhouse and continue at the Aucter Road sugarbush where Dr. Yancey, DVM, has applied intense woodlot management practices. This workshop also includes information on tapping trees in November and December to see how long they continue to produce sap into the spring using new 3/16-inch tubing. Pre-registration by September 15 is appreciated, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Lewis County, 315-376-5270.
The results of past maple industry research in the North Country region are posted on the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program website at www.nnyagdev.org. Information on additional workshops will be posted in the News and Events sections of the site.
The farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program provides grants for on-farm research and technical assistance projects in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is supported by the New York State Senate and administered through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
. Project Leader: Michael Farrrell, 518-523-9337
. NNYADP Co-Chairs: Jon Greenwood, 315-386-3231; Joe Giroux, 518-563-7523; Jon Rulfs, 518-572-1960
. NNYADP Publicist Kara Lynn Dunn, 315-465-7578, karalynn@gisco.net