Message from the President

Spring 2013

Spring, as all of us know it, is just around the corner. Maple producers began the new season on the last day of the past season. Let me explain…..

When the previous maple season is over, the success of the next season depends on the proper clean up of equipment, maintenance of larger equipment and planning improvements for the next season. Our profession depends on the whims of nature: past, present and future. The winter has been cold and snowy in most of maple country but spring can come fast. We don’t know what the season will bring. However, we do need consistently warm days and cold nights for the sap to “run”. When that happens, we are ready!

Sugar makers are proud of their heritage. Last year, one of our member families celebrated 150 years of making maple syrup on the same farm…an incredibly warm story with strong family connections to each other and to the land.

The maple syrup crop is the first of the year, and in some parts of the province, our local members host “first tapping ceremonies”…kind of like the first rite of spring. Look for them locally and attend if you can; you will find it at times moving and inspirational. Fun for the family too, and with the opportunity to connect with real craftsman/women as they share their knowledge and passion with you.

So, I invite you to reconnect to your favourite sugar maker; and if you don’t have one, check this site for our members who would be willing to connect with you.

May the sap run sweet….

Ray Bonenberg
President, OMSPA

Ray Bonenberg