Fall is a season of change, this year more than ever. After 25 years of conserving farms and forests at the Vermont Land Trust, I have decided to step down on December 31st to focus on maple! OFM is at a critical juncture. We have been very successful in developing markets for our maple syrup, so much so, that we are no longer able to meet demand. You may have noticed the frequency of the OFM Newsletter slowly decreased from monthly, to quarterly, to annually, all part of a conscious effort to reduce marketing and slow sales growth. That too will change. Today I am finishing an application for a state funded grant to assist future expansion. Our most pressing matter is storage. As we shifted from selling forty gallon barrels on the bulk market to selling in 15 sizes of our private label glass and plastic jugs, we have overwhelmed our existing storage. Currently, we have empty and filled jugs in 5 different locations in Ferdinand, Island Pond and Elmore!. Before exacerbating the problem with additional taps we must build on site storage for supplies, product and equipment, grant assisted or not. Additionally, with my new found time, I plan to increase the tap count, offer value-added products, and expand our public communications and events, all at a sustainable pace.

Building on the change theme, I had been collecting change (hint: almost no pennies) in a half gallon jug for a couple of years and finally filled it. So, let's have some fun with it! Send me an email before 12:00 AM EST on December 1st with you guess for the total amount in the jug. The person who is closest, without going over, wins a free liter of syrup shipped anywhere in the U.S.

The holiday shipping season has begun. If you are thinking of ordering, please consider doing so early for the best selection. We will try to keep the inventory somewhat current on the website, but please recognize that we may need to substitute a product with one of similar value for lack of supply. As always, contact me directly if you don't see what you are looking for in the OFM Shop.