Willow Creek Sugarhouse, LLC
October If you are interested in the construction of my sugar house, go to the links page and click on the Photobucket link and it will take you to my album on photobucket.com. Also I started to make a few videos on you tube and you can check those out as well. The first was finished back in February tapping a tree. Hopefully I can get some more done once I have a chance to sit down and get them edited. Check It Out I signed up to be in a rest stop flyer through the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association. So be sure to be on the lookout for that when you’re traveling through NH. Please like us on Facebook. I have a link on the home page. I did advertise through the NH Maple Producers Association's web site for maple weekend.
Sorry for not updating sooner. It has been a very busy summer which is still busy righ tinto Fall. From vacations, reunions, trying to get the wood done for the upcoming winter and maple season, the garden, bees, and somewhere in all that trying to relax a little(not really much of that)
My Farm Stand
Well some very exciting things have reciently happened with the farm stand. On Wednesday October 12. A "customer" pulled into the driveway, and up to the farm stand got out and proceded to empty the stand of nearly $300 worth of maple syrup and honey products into the back seat of his car. I quickly ran over to the car as I was in the front yard when he pulled in. I wanted to get a better look at him and try to get the plate number. After getting half way across the yard he then sped off. I quickly ran into the house to call 911. I was quickly put in touch with the East Kingston Police, who promptly put out a bulletin. Newton police pulled over a car matching my description. The man was taken into custody. From the time I had called to the arrest of the man took less than 10 minutes. All of the product was returned unharmed as all my containers have tamper proof lids and all lids were intact.
So Special thanks to The East Kingston Police, Chief Reid Simpson, The Newton Police, Chief Larry Streeter for responding so quickly and aprehending the perptraitor.
So the Stand is now closed until further notice. It was just too easy for it to get emptied in less than a minute. I am trying to brainstorm a way to make the products easily available but less of a chance to have it stolen. It is very unfortunate that something like this happens and one person has to ruin it for everyone. I don't make any money doing this after all business expenses, containers, insurance fees, small upgrades, wood, chicken feed etc. I am lucky if I break even. I guess I put too much faith in people to do the right thing!
So if you need syrup or eggs please feel free to stop up at the house and I will be glad to help you.
East Kingston Agricultural Commission
The Newly formed Ag. Commission is designed to help local farmers and promote their products it is very important keep farming alive in NH. Buying locally grown and produced products lessen the carbon foot print, ensure your product is safe, and it is made in NH and in turn is made in the USA. On Thursday, October 13 at 6:00 pm, the Agricultural Commission will hosting a meet and greet for all of the local agriculture producers. We will have 2 speakers, and some of the farmers may be selling some of their products. I will be one of the farmers selling my syrup and honey products. I will also be representing the Commission as the Co-Chairman. Hope everyone in the area can stop by. Refreshments will be served and children are always welcome. If you have anyquestion please feel free to contact me.
Bee News
Every thing was going very well then came Irene. A hollow tree branch gave way above the hives and fell over the wires and knocked the honey supers off the strong hive. Well I suited up with multiple layers underneith my suit and proceded to do my best to secure the hives. they had to be moved in order to have the branch cut byt the road crews. I lost many bees in this hive. lost field bees. the hive is bouncing back but when you loose alot of bees at that time of year when the mights count is very high I am now having issues with varoa mites. Both Hives are making big come bcaks so I am tring to be confident that the hives will over winter well.
Had a successful meet bird flock which are now processed and in the freezer. Leearning more everyday. Chickens are now moulting so eggs are limited. Averaging only 2-3 eggs a day sometimes. Some days are better than others. Poor chickens look aweful!!!
Garden
Well that was a wash this year had a ground hog that wiped out a bunch of stuff. He's now gone and looking forward to next year's crop.
New Links added
Grading Changes in the Works
Just to add to the confusion on the grades of syrup, the IMSI, International Maple Syrup Institute, has been working to change the current grading system for all of the maple producing areas. This will unify the grading system in every state in the USA and Canada. Some folks are against it. I am for the change, for the simple reason that Grade B maple syrup which is just a good as grade A will be in the Grade A catagory and the "Grade B" will be gone. The names of all the grade A light amber, medium and dark will change as well making them a little more easy to understand from a consumer standpoint. Even Vermont which has cherished their "FANCY" syrup grade for their light is giving in to the international change. This change will help on the global market as well as more and more maple products are exported around the world some of the biggest exports to China and Europe. Which is nice to sell something to China that says "made in the USA" for a change. Maple syrup Production is limited to parts of US and Canada, with Canada accounting for 80-90% of all the maple syrup produced. NH Maple Producers Assoc. will be Voting on the change shortly. This change will come for the 2013 season and I will post more information as the 2013 season comes closer.
Brown Foiliage
Wondering why the foiliage is not as bright as usual. There is a fungus do to the wet windy spring when the leaves were first showing and hadn't had a chance to firm yet we had some heavier windy days this causes brusing of the leaves and the coninues wet weather made it very favorable of fungus to invade the leaves mostly maples and birches were effected. This is not a long term fungus and it should not (hopefully not) have much impact on the spring maple season or the health of the tree. Be sure to Enjoy the Fall colors.