The Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producer’s Association named the 2022 Producer of the Year to Maynard and Connie Hoff from Maple Creek Sugar Bush from Barron.
The announcement took place at the recent WMSPA Winter Institute.
Lifelong members of the WMSPA, the honorees are actively involved with the organization with Maynard serving as a District 6 representative. The pair love to share the benefits of maple with the community hosting 4-H clubs, church groups and schools nearby at their sugar bush. The family business has grown to cooking and producing nearly 9,000 taps worth of maple syrup and they are looking forward to expanding in the coming years. Their family contributed to the 300,000 gallons statewide produced by Wisconsin maple syrup producers in 2020.
Maynard’s love for maple syrup began in 1972 and branched out in 2010 to begin Maple Creek Sugarbush in the hills of Dority Creek. The business has expanded to producing beyond maple syrup making cream, candy, cotton candy, and are always looking for ways to expand the maple pallet to reach more consumers. Although, they wouldn’t have been to the point they are at today without their family. At the WMSPA Winter Institute held Jan. 14-15, nearly twenty family members were present for their recognition.
Additionally, the WMSPA Winter Institute featured learning sessions and a trade show to help lead producers for another successful maple season beginning with the annual first tree tapping on March 19 at Leafy Grove Maples in Merrill and is open to the public.
WMSPA Executive Director Theresa Baroun tells Mid-West Farm Report’s Stephanie Hoff what the tree tapping celebration entails:
And mark your calendars for the International Maple Conference which will be held in La Crosse Oct. 26-29 to showcase the maple industry in Wisconsin and nationwide.
See more information: wismaple.org
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