First Crop

Fall Tour

There are two formal meetings of the membership of the Association each year: the winter meeting held in January and the fall tour usually held on the last Saturday in September. After several years of having the tour in Southern Michigan, Ron Thomas and Craig Arnold have been working hard and have set up the tour for the Rose City area on Saturday, September 25, 1999. Ron will be the host and start the tour at his place. There are several producers scheduled throughout the day, all within reasonable driving distances. A good meal is planned with a short membership meeting right after lunch.

Doherty Hotel

For the last two years, the winter meeting has been held at the Doherty Hotel in Clare.
The Hotel announced a $6 million dollar expansion with a time frame of two years for the completion of the project. We had been a little concerned because the facility is just a bit tight for us; however, this substantial expansion will well handle our needs for the years to come. The Doherty Hotel also regularly hosts the Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Turkey Federation, Whitetails Unlimited and Trout Unlimited banquets; all of whom have their decal displayed prominently on the front entrance to the Hotel. The entryway now displays the Michigan Maple Syrup Association decal.

Dr. Koelling

We note from the National Digest that Dr Koelling was officially inducted into the Maple Syrup Hall of Fame this spring. Dr. Koelling was actually inducted in 1997 but was not able to attend the ceremonies making it official. As most of you know, Dr. Koelling has been active in the maple syrup industry, and most notable lately as the co-author, along with Randy Heiligmann, of the North American Maple Syrup Producers Manual.

Michigan Agricultural Statistical Service

According to the Michigan Agricultural Statistical Service, maple syrup production increased in the state this spring. They have Michigan pegged in sixth position in the U.S. this year. This is an improvement from eighth last year. This year’s season was somewhat more 'normal'. The full article appears elsewhere in this Newsletter.

John Anton
President
Michigan Maple Syrup Association