Local Producer Highlight-Finger Lakes Maple

Traditions of generational farming live on at the home of Finger Lakes Maple, where Owen Raymond makes 250 to 400 gallons of certified organic maple syrup by hand each year. Owen and his wife, Donna, have been fine-tuning their process of maple syrup production since 1999. They do everything from tapping the trees to boiling and bottling the sap, all of which is done at their home in Ellis Hollow just outside of Ithaca.

Owen is no rookie when it comes to the production of maple syrup. As he was growing up, his grandfather made maple syrup, as did his parents. When starting his own business, Owen remembered doing a lot of rewarding work for his father’s maple syrup production and wanted to continue the practice. Owen is now part of the fourth generation of maple farmers in his family, using many of his father’s former tools and equipment.

For the best syrup, Owen boils his sap the same day he collects it. The boiling happens in Owen’s “sugar house,” through an intense heating process. Technology and innovation have played a large role in making this process better. With his efficient machine, he can make about 12 gallons of syrup per hour. In the offseason, Owen is constantly tinkering and reworking his machinery and system. One of his innovations was to recycle the boiled off steam to use as additional heating. Another new tool is a monitoring system that connects online and can notify Owen on his smartphone on the status of the taps. As Owen runs the bulk of production aspects singlehandedly, new technological advancements help to make his small business sustainable.

Maple syrup production gives Owen the chance to work in the woods and to take pride in making a high-quality certified-organic product that he can sell locally and to friends. As Owen says, most small producers of maple syrup are not in it for the money. They do it as a passion and a great hobby.

Finger Lakes Maple bottled syrups can be found at all three GreenStar locations. Bulk maple sugar is available at the West End store Bulk Department.

For maple syrup recipes visit NY Maple website.