We finished setting up our new sap filter in November, and finally had a chance to use it last month. Here is a video from the first run at the beginning of February. We had a long freeze up in the middle of the month, but got to run the filter again nonstop last week. It’s done an amazing job so far and is incredibly easy to run/clean!

After hurrying up to get tapped last month we’ve been patiently waiting for warm weather. The forecast keeps teasing us with 40° days, only to have them come in at 35° for a short period. This week’s forecast doesn’t look any better, spring has to come eventually though! We’ve used this time to replenish our dwindling inventory, make several improvements to pump houses, and work on our online stores.

Last year Amazon promised us the ability to add our candy to their subscribe and save program. Unfortunately this never materialized, and talking to Amazon seller support is about as useful as talking to a dead maple tree. In November we decided to start sending some candy to their warehouses to supplement what we send out direct here, the idea being that if they only ship half of what we sell their turnover will be high enough to keep the candy fresh. So far, after three months, it’s been a success. In addition to lightening our daily shipment load, our candy is now available on their subscribe and save program and often has the Prime badge. Personally, we use this service every month for both convenience and savings. It has been a huge success with our other products, so we’re happy to have our candy in the program now. We still prefer direct orders, but we know that sometimes it makes sense to purchase from our other stores. Links – 8 Ounce Candy on Amazon, 16 Ounce Candy on Amazon

We’ve also added our bulk sugar listing to Amazon/eBay/Walmart. While we can charge a lower price on our website since we’re not paying commission, this should open up doors to new customers who would have never found us before. Repeat bulk customers are a growing part of our business and we love to see all of the cool products people are making with our ingredients!

Last summer we upgraded the pump motors at Brass road. The existing motors were purchased used and in rough shape, one ended up burning out and we were afraid the other would too in the middle of the season. The new motors (blue, only one shown) weigh almost double the old ones they replaced (black/light blue). At the same horsepower output it’s pretty safe to assume it’s built a little better! We’re happy to say that the new motors are both running properly right now. We had a small sap run last week and a good one yesterday, more sap coming Thursday!