Member Profile
by Terry Coleman

Ralph and Edla Rieckman

Ralph and Edla Rieckman have been members of the MMSA since 1973. Both sides of their family have history rich in making maple syrup. One side of the family produced in the Hesperia area from the mid-1800's until 1904 and sold the syrup to Herpolshiemer's for $1.50 per gallon. The other side produced in the Greenville area until the mid-1930's.

In 1972, after a 20-year hitch in the Air Force, this couple returned to Elda's family farm near Rockford. It is a Centennial Farm and is nearing the 150-year mark. The farm is 170 acres with 60 acres in apple production. Since 1972, the Rieckman's have made a living fruit farming. Ralph made some syrup in a 4'x5' flat pan during his first year on the farm. Because it was too much work, he decided to improve his equipment and make enough syrup to sell.

1973 brought a 30"x10' Leader drop flue evaporator to the farm. It is still being used although they have been through a few sets of pans because of wear and tear plus "unfortunate learning experiences". The rig is fully hooded with a pre-heater and is wood-fired. Ralph's first ten years of tapping consisted of all roadside trees. Eventually the running became too much and the tapping moved to the neighbor's woodlot next door where it is still done today. There are about 1000 taps available, but only 500 or so are used. All taps are on tubing. The gathering is done by tractor and trailer with a gathering tank and pump. The sugarhouse at the farm is 24'x40' with a canning room included. Their 1999 production was 100 gallons, but is usually closer to 150 gallons.

Ralph uses an Osmonics RO, which can handle 100 gallons per hour. Other sources of help are his wife, son, daughter and grandchildren. School tours are common at this sugarhouse; they love sharing the experience of sugaring.

Ralph feels that the tradition of this business is his first love, and he enjoys making an agricultural product that few are involved with. In 1986, Ralph transplanted 500 saplings from local woods onto his property. They are spaced 14'x14' and had a great survival rate. Experimenting with the new, small size tubing spouts this season; Ralph was really impressed with the wound healing process and is looking forward to tapping his new trees with them in the near future. Fearing the neighbor will sell for development, he is planning on planting more saplings on his farm for future generations to harvest.

To visit the Rieckmans' sugar bush, take US 31 north from Grand Rapids to M57. Turn east and go about ten miles to Ramsdell Dr. Turn north and go one mile to 15 Mile Rd. Turn east and it is the first place on the south side.
(9680 15 Mile Rd., Rockford, MI)