Jonathan Gates reports from Howmars Farm in Franklin, Vermont. Howmars is a certified organic dairy farm, one of many Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative farmer members who supply the milk that goes into making Stonyfield's yogurts and smoothies. The entire family pitches in on this third-generation farm. Jonathan and his father, Howard, converted the farm from conventional dairy farming to organic 9 years ago. Meet Jonathan. He farms with his wife Karen, sons Benjamin, Justin, and Noah, and Jonathan's parents, Howard and Mary.
Moo-vie News: Tree chopping for maple sugaring in Vermont
In the homestate of Stonyfield Farm--New Hampshire--today marks the official start of "sugaring season"--the time of year when maple trees are tapped for their sap that will be turned into syrup. The sap starts "running" when days are warm, but nights are still cold--a process that varies considerably by location.
Vermont is also a big maple sugaring state and our farmer, Jonathan Gates, and his family spend a lot of March and April time boiling down the sap they've collected into wonderful sought-after syrup. Jonathan will be sending us news and videos from this year's seasonal activities soon. His labor already began back in January, when he spent some time clearing trees on his land. The trees will be chopped into firewood that will be used in the sap boiling process--next year. Here's Jonathan, with his trusty companion Yukon, taking advantage of a warmer-than-usual January day. Just press on the big arrow in the middle of the screen to play the moo-vie.
--Jonathan (left), Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont
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Jonathan Gates reports from Howmars Farm in Franklin, Vermont.
