Sap and Controversy Begin to Flow

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Created on Friday, 04 April 2014 15:46

Written by Alex Farnworth

ST. JOHNSBURY - The weather hasn't been ideal for maple sugaring, but tempers have begun to thaw out for Vermonters. In prior weeks the frigid weather had not allowed the sap to run, but maple sugarers are currently enjoying the spring temperatures. 

Back in March, farmers were struggling to produce sap, but still remained hopeful. Now, farmers like Jeff Goodwin of Family Maple in St. Johnsbury is happy to get the sugaring season underway. "...I just brought in another three hundred [gallons of sap]. It's just starting to run today. So, just getting going." Goodwin said.

Goodwin has been around maple sugaring for quite some time now, being a fourth generation sugarer. Goodwin runs the family business, Goodwin Maple Family, and has a truly remarkable setup. With state of the art equipment, including a 750 gallon tank, evaporators, as well as other high quality equipment, Goodwin is able to turn sap to syrup without even leaving his property. "I guess you could say I've got the world's largest sap spout." he said.

In terms of weather, Goodwin's attitude has started to change, but he's still upset about the cold image from The Rolling Stone. Local sugarers were able to overcome the frosty elements of Vermont. However, the media has started to suck the life out of these farmers. The picture published in The Rolling Stone highlights the state's heroin and drug problems by showing a picture of a sugar maker on a stump, shooting heroin. Goodwin disappointedly said "…You know it made it look like sugar makers are heroin users, and that's not the case whatsoever."

Goodwin tries to ignore the negative light that was shed on the sugar making community. He tries to stick to extracting syrupy goodness rather than injecting negativity.