MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCER OF THE YEAR- 2009

Pat & Darvin Pieper of Gresham, WI

The couple that we will be honoring today with their name on the traveling trophy and a plaque in their honor, are like many of us here today. They both have been members of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association for many years and have always helped whenever they could and were asked to do something. They were there for us during the full time of work and stress when we hosted the National/International Convention several years ago in Green Bay. Although he has never been an officer of the association, he has been a director for many years.

            Now, let’s get down to a little about this couple. Like many of us, he had the sugar bush passed on to them from his father. He started making syrup with his father when he was in school. His parents started making maple syrup in the 1930’s, but probably that was before this person was born. I don’t know his age, but let’s say he wasn’t, okay?

            Like many of us, his parents tapped their maple trees and hung buckets on them in the spring. They gathered their sap with horses and brought the sap to an open pan in the woods to boil down. The pan sat on a brick foundation and this is where everyone gathered around when they got so cold on some of the days that we all know happen during syrup season. Later, came the improvement of a sugar shack built by his father up by the other farm buildings. Now only blowing wind and cold while gathering. The horses were retired and a tractor was brought into the woods for gathering. They can remember him getting stuck with it and words in German would fly.

            About 1985, this couple received the farm and maple woods from his parents. They then used a wide front end tractor, which got stuck less. At this time, the women would can the maple syrup. I have heard that she said she would not eat that dirty stuff, but guess what, she did and she is hooked!

            Around 1989, this couple moved the operation over to their farm land. They moved the sugar shack that was 14 feet by 13 feet and bought an Affordable Line Evaporator which is a 30” x 96”.  About a year later, out went the pails and they purchased bag holders and bags to collect their maple sap in. At the same time, out went the milk cans and in came a gathering tank, along with a holding tank and two bulk tanks.

            They now tap about 400 trees on 40 acres. A 32 x 50 metal shed was built, which includes their canning kitchen. Now their son and grandsons help this couple, along with a very close friend. It seems that there are always those that like to come over during maple season, but where are they during clean up/ Right?

            Off season, their area looks like a park when you drive down the path. They have picnics, family reunions, etc. there. There are lights, telephone and an outside toilet there, plus a large garden. I was told that she said the only thing missing is her log home.

            By now, I can see on their faces, they know who they are, so would Pat and Darvin Pieper please come forward.