The Vermont Maple Sugarmakers Association, Addison County Maple Sugarmakers Association, and UVM Extension held the annual maple conferences earlier this year. Yankee Farm Credit staff attended the conferences with a display. SVP/Regional Manager Ken Button attended in Middlebury on January 12th, Senior Loan Officer Chris Bessette in Bellows Falls on January 19th, and Loan Officer Tom St. Pierre in Hyde Park on January 26th.
Gary Gaudette (Leader Evaporator) and Bruce Bascom (Bascom Maple Farms) both spoke about the industry. The main message described a strong industry, US and VT supply is up substantially, demand is strong, and prices steady. Attendance was strong as usual and always looking for the next season to be the best. For more information see the December 2012 issue of Maple Mainline published by UVM Extension.
