March Midpoint Magic
Under the watchful eye of Kodi, we made it to the halfway point this season.
Every season I send out a newsletter letting you all know we have reached our halfway (or should I say desired halfway) point of the sugaring season. We aim to make 2000 gallons each year and so the 1000 gallon mark is a significant moment for us. The rest of the season remains a mystery, but so far, it's been fairly steady, even if it's been drawn out. We've mostly had a series of small runs, except for the one we're in the midst of right now. It's been a bit stop-and-start, but we're not complaining. After a warm January, February brought some seasonal temperatures. Now we have to wait and see what the rest of the season brings!
We made beer - more accurately our syrup was used to make beer!
March is Women's Maple Month
Not officially, but March is Women’s history month and in Massachusetts March is Maple month. I say we combine the two. In the spirit of this celebratory month, we have hosted several groups to the farm. First we hosted the folks from Boston Beer. Turns out there are lots of similarities between people who make beer and those that make syrup. Kelly was able to nerd out with the brewmasters and tasters from the Sensory Division of Boston Beer because both beer and syrup are just a big science experiment! Why were the fine folks who make Boston Beer in the western part of the state? Because they are using our syrup to make beer! The limited release beer is part of their celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th and was made with local ingredients from women owned businesses across Massachusetts.
The Women's Design Team from Carhartt was here with us! We were all rocking their fabulous work clothes, looking absolutely stunning!
As three women who enjoy the outdoors and all the requirements that come with working and playing outside, we have worn men's clothes, settled for gear of lesser quality, and had fewer choices on clothing and equipment. The Women's Design Team from Carhartt is trying to change that. They came out to the farm to see what we need out of high performance clothes and shoes and asked a lot of questions. We had a great time and we are loving the gear they provided for us to try out.
March is Maple Month in Massachusetts
Yup, it's the 4 Ms here - Maple, March, Madness, and Massachusetts. Did I mention Maple? We will be hosting the folks from the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources and our State Representative Lindsay Sabodosa for a tour on the 15th to kick off Maple Weekend on March 16-17. Over 30 sugarhouses across Massachusetts are welcoming the public to experience the art of sugaring and sample syrup, candy and more. If you are in the Commonwealth next weekend, support a local sugarhouse and taste some delicious maple.
Here's hoping that March is a great Maple month. Wishing you all the best during these last weeks of winter. See you soon at markets and fairs.
Where to Find Us
We will be at the Berkshire Grown Winter Market in Housatonic at the Housy Dome on March 16th and April 20th from 10-2. Most of April we will be in the kitchen preparing for Markets and Fairs. On April 27th we will be at the CT Sheep and Wool Festival in New Haven and then it is off to Maryland for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds on May 4-5th.
Our summer Farmers Markets will be here before you know it too. Amherst Farmers Market starts on April 20th and Great Barrington begins on May 11th. There will be new vendors at both markets to make your farmers market experience all the more delightful. Drop by and say hi.