This weekend weather has been PERFECT for making maple syrup. The sap is flowing like crazy with the warm weather and cold nights (yes, that’s the special recipe that makes the sap run). Yesterday we had over 2000 gallons to boil; today will be about the same, I would guess. Joe has already left toContinue reading “Open house today”
Author Archives: yoginimegan
Open house 2013
March is here, and that means the sugaring season is here too! You’re invited to our open house held every Sunday in March from 11-4. So far this year February has seemed more like March. The sap has been flowing, and Joe has been keeping busy boiling in the sugar house. The sugar content hasContinue reading “Open house 2013”
A great day for sap…
Today it’s warm, over 60 degrees. And it was in the 20’s earlier this week. That mean the sap is running today. Joe just left to collect sap at the Quabbin Reservoir, where we tap some trees on state land. So far today we have about 1,000 gallons of sap to boil down. We’re makingContinue reading “A great day for sap…”
Open house 2012
You’re invited! Come see how we make maple syrup every Sunday in March from 11-4. Learn the steps from tapping the tree to tasting the sweet stuff. Directions: From the center of Hardwick head north on 32A towards Petersham. Past the fire station, take your next right at the cemetery onto North Rd. Take yourContinue reading “Open house 2012”
First boil of the 2012 maple syrup season
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7gzDofee4s
First boil of the 2012 maple syrup season here at the Hardwick Sugar Shack in central Massachusetts. Our first run was January 31st–that’s a record! It’s the earliest we’ve ever started our season.
Oct snowstorm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS5Rc6YJwqo
The October snow storm did not herald a tough winter. Just the opposite. Very mild, and we’re making lots of maple syrup here in central Massachusetts.
Mass Faces of Agriculture
The Hardwick Sugar Shack has been chosen as this month’s “Face of Agriculture” by the Mass Department of Agriculture. This initiative pays tribute to the rich diversity of the Massachusetts agricultural community and recognizing the individuals, organizations, and schools that have made and are making a significant contribution to the long-term sustainability of agriculture inContinue reading “Mass Faces of Agriculture”
Eating locally is easy
I love where I live. This morning I had organic eggs and swiss chard from Misty Brook farm right down the street, the best toast ever made from Rose 32 Bread, and tomatoes from the garden. Does it get any better than this? Eating locally is easy if you get to know the farmers inContinue reading “Eating locally is easy”
Open source equipment
The modern machines for farming are too expensive for the small, family farm. Here’s one way of harnessing the power and efficiency of machines without cleaning out the bank.
Sugaring Season is Over
This maple sugar season has been GREAT. But like all things, it comes to an end. We’ve about reached that point. Joe did boil yesterday, and we’re thinking that may be the last boil. The trees are giving less sap, and the quality of the sap is degrading quickly. At the end of the season,Continue reading “Sugaring Season is Over”
Hardwick Sugar Shack 