In The Swing of Things

We went from the count down to the season beginning to the mid/end of the season in the blink of an eye.

(Sorry for the lack of updates--we don't have internet and creating posts from a smart phone can be a daunting task).

We spent February adding and repairing lines, doing maintenance work on much of our equipment and eventually getting the trees tapped. As always, a big "Thank You" is in order to both of our dads (Vern Groelsma and Kris Guiles) along with Rob for all of their help.

And we finally started boiling.

One question we keep getting asked is "when can we come out and watch the process?"

This used to be a much easier question to answer, as we always welcome visitors--however with the addition of the RO system it has decreased our boil times by approximately 75%.

In the past we would spend 20+ hours boiling on Saturday/Sunday and visitors could essentially be guaranteed that if they showed up, we would be out working. Now we can produce as much syrup in approximately 3 hours as we used to make in 30 hours-- which means we are out in the shack (actually boiling) much less frequently.

We are also using only about 25% of the wood that was previously needed -- in cutting and stacking wood alone we will save hundreds of hours over the next few years.

Because we both work off site in addition to running things around the farm, and because we are 100% dependent on mother nature and the flow of sap-- our actual boil times have been very unpredictable. It is likely that in years moving forward we will plan an open house weekend to give everyone who wants the opportunity, a chance to see how we make our syrup.

When we are not up and boiling there is still plenty of work to do. From cleaning tanks, fixing leaks in lines, cleaning the shack, bottling and labeling syrup--it's hard to find down time.

We have not yet started making cream and sugar for the 2022 season but hope to do so soon-- although-- maybe for another post-- most syrup that we (along with the other sugar shacks in the area) are producing again this year is Dark (with very little amber). Because only certain syrups with ideal inverted sugar levels can be used to make a quality cream--- we still do not know if we will be able to make cream at all this year.

But for some good news-- our bourbon barrel is expected to arrive this week and we will begin making that delicious bourbon aged syrup you have all come to know and love.

As many of you know, we are not living in kind economic times. Unfortunately this means that the cost of our production has gone up significantly and that it will reflect slightly in our 2022 pricing.

Quarts: 20$

Pints: 10$

250ml: 6$

Half gallons are available by special order for $32/bottle-- and only available if you catch us before we are done bottling for the season :)

Additional sizing/pricing will apply at summer markets (dates and times announced soon).

As of now syrup is not available for purchase online--but we plan to change that soon. Shipping can be arranged if needed, but on farm pick up is currently available.

Message for more information.

In other news.

Meet Fiona.

Our farm family was added onto this past weekend with the anticipated arrival of an 8 week old Juliana/American Mini Pig. We are currently working on building trust, good manners and all of the piggy training-- but Fiona will likely be a regular at our future sugar shack activities.

In addition to Fiona, all of the baby goats are starting to make their appearances with two born on 3/4, and many more due over the next three weeks.

With that, our mamas are back in milk again allowing us to make all of the other farm fresh and good for your skin goodies.

If you haven't noticed yet-- these are now available for purchase online with both farm pick up (hospital delivery) and shipping available. Click on the SHOP tab to browse all of these.

Goodness that was a lot of information packed into a little space.

Thanks for always bearing with us as we update, and learn and work to make our syrup and other goodies more than just products, but also educational and life giving. And thank you for helping us grow the GSS community.

Coming soon: syrup sales, summer markets, more bath and body products, summer gift baskets (Mother's and Father's Day) all of the baby animals, flowers, and all of the things.

Until then, God bless.