MMSA Report Given at NAMSC/IMSI Meeting
October 04 in Lake George New York

Greetings from the Michigan Maple Association,

The 2004 season in Michigan was considerably improved from the 2003 season. Production for 2004 was estimated at 80,000 gallons, 21,000 gallons above 2003. The season started in late February for the Lower Peninsula. Producers were impressed with the quality of the syrup as most syrup was very light to medium. Very little dark syrup was made. The sap flow seemed slow and periodic which was deceiving in projecting the season, but sugarmakers were basically pleased with the season. As one producer commented, "the quality of the sap and syrup was excellent. It was a nice golden syrup with good taste". The Upper Peninsula also had a very good year with lots of snow during the season. Michigan usually ranks 6th in maple syrup production.

Our rain fall this summer has been above average in the lower part of the state. The cooler summer has also resulted in fall colors in September and night temperatures in the low 40's. Frost is predicted to occur before the first of October in many parts of the state. Our crystal ball has not yet predicted how all this will influence the 2005 season.

The Michigan Association holds its annual meeting in January. The 2004 attendance was about 180 producers. Our keynote speaker was Glenn Goodrich who addressed the "Latest Technology with Tubing Collection Systems". Glenn also presented Tubing Installation and Vacuum at an afternoon interest session. Glenn was so well received that we could have devoted the entire day to his program. Other interest sessions included: Woodlot Management; Beginners Session; Clean Up after the season; Building Roads and Trails in the SugarBush; Tips on Mail order, catalog and Internet sales; and IMSI Syrup Grading Project. A syrup, candy and cream contest is also conducted.

At our annual meeting we also recognize a MMSA member (past or present) who has produced, promoted or exhibited a special interest and has made a signifi cant impact on the maple industry. The 2004 Honorary Lifetime Membership was awarded Terry DeLoughary.

Our fall tour was held on September 25 and we had an excellent attendance of 97 people. The tour was held in the mid-state area and five sugar operations were visited. The tour is rotated around the state each year so different operations can be visited. This tour gives producers, the time to share ideas and exchange information about the size of their operations, processing procedures and marketing ideas.

We would like to thank New York State for hosting this conference in a beautiful scenic part of the state. Michigan will be your host in 2010.

Many of you have probably read about the unfortunate fire at Sugarbush Supplies. George Fogel is diligently rebuilding and we wish him and his family every success in preparing for the new season.

Respectfully submitted
Jean Maday Michigan Delegate

Pictured from left: Larry Haigh, Calvin Reetz, Amy Kistler, Karen Haigh, Jean Maday,
Joan Reetz, Debbi Thomas, Ron Kistler Sr., Ron Thomas and Bill Zeitel

**Michigan Producer Wins Big at NAMSC/IMSI Meeting for his Maple Products**

Rose City resident Ron Thomas was honored recently at the North American Maple Syrup Conference, held in Lake George, NY, October 17-20. Thomas, who has been making Ron’s Pure Maple Syrup in Klacking Township for 30 years, won Best of Show for his maple cream and Reserve Best of Show for his maple syrup. There were over 400 people in attendance representing each of the maple syrup-producing states of the U.S. and provinces of Canada. The Michigan Maple Syrup Association was represented by 10 people including Ron and Debbi Thomas, Cal and Joan Reetz, and Bill Zettle from Ogemaw County.

While at the conference, the group visited area sugar bushes ranging from small producers up to over 7000 taps. Thomas’ production averages between 400-500 gallons of syrup each spring. Syrup has been made on that land in Klacking Township since the late 1800s, when it was homesteaded by Christopher Reetz. For more information on syrup making, please contact Ron Thomas (685-2807) or Calvin Reetz (345-0679).