Michigan State University Extension will host a Beginning Farmer Webinar Series on Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, from 7-9 p.m., on maple syrup production. This webinar will be hosted by Bob and Sue Battel of Battel’s Sugar Bush in Cass City, Michigan.

During the webinar, we will discuss the production and marketing of maple syrup and other maple products from our medium-sized sugar bush. My portion of the webinar will include site and tree selection, tapping procedures, collection and storage, evaporation and boiling. Sue will discuss bottling and canning, and the grading and marketing of maple products, including welcoming customers to your woods and marketing using social media.

I am an MSU Extension field crops educator based in Huron County and hold a bachelor’s degree in crop and soil science and a master’s degree in extension education. Sue earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications. We operate Battel’s Sugar Bush with my parents, Mark and Diane. Battel’s Sugar Bush is a fifth generation business that began in 1882. It is a 300 tree/700 tap sugar bush that produces an average of 150–200 gallons of finished maple syrup per year in Michigan’s thumb.

To register for this webinar or any other part of the series, go to Beginning Farmer Webinar Series. For more information, contact Jim Isleib at 906-387-2530 or isleibj@anr.msu.edu.