Maple syrup production in Ohio and the impact of Ohio State University (OSU) extension programming

Abstract

The maple syrup industry in Ohio, which ranks fifth in total production in the United States, is comprised primarily of small family owned operations that are served by The Ohio State University (OSU) Extension system. We evaluated the effectiveness of OSU Extension educational programming designed to improve sugarbush and sugarhouse management through a-survey administered at the three 2004 Ohio Maple Days workshops. Most survey respondents indicated that after attending past maple syrup workshops they implemented changes that were relatively simple and inexpensive; however, most indicated they are interested in learning more about technologies that increase production and maple syrup quality.