The Maple Hour is a monthly webinar series for Wisconsin maple enthusiasts. Each program features a timely topic and guest speaker with space for live Q&A . You can sign-up to attend the next session and watch the entire Maple Hour archive below.
Next Up
We are planning Maple Hour programs through 2024 and will post the schedule as soon as it’s finalized. In the meantime, we would love your feedback on the format and topics covered. If you’ve got suggestions or constructive criticism, please send it to maple@extension.wisc.edu.
Archive
Climate Change and WI Maple Syrup
The August Maple Hour highlighted the impacts of climate change on maple syrup production in Wisconsin, and what producers and sugarbush managers can do to adapt. We kick off the program with Stephen Handler, Climate Change Specialist with the US Forest Service, to spotlight major climatic trends and risks to northern hardwood forests and sugar maples. Scott Hershberger then shares his recently released Sugarbush Adaptation Menu, which provides descriptions of environmental challenges along with concrete actions maple producers can take to address them. Scott is an M.S. student in Life Sciences Communication at UW-Madison and Project Assistant for the Extension Maple Syrup Program.
Click the (+) to expand and watch the recordings.
Sugarbush Forest Health Update – July 2023
WI DNR Forest Health Specialist, Paul Cigan, joins the Maple Hour to look at forest health issues in Wisconsin, with an eye on the sugarbush. We cover some common pests, diseases and considerations for keeping your sugarbush healthy.
Maple Syrup Production Statistics – Jun. 2023
Greg Bussler, WI State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, joins the Maple Hour to discuss the 2023 maple syrup production statistics for Wisconsin and share some history and insights for Wisconsin maple syrup producers.
Cooking with Maple – May 2023
Maple Glazed Charred Brussel Sprouts:
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 lb. Brussel sprouts cut in half lengthwise
- 2 Cloves garlic minced
- ½ Cup pecan or walnut pieces
- 2 Tbsp. balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. Wisconsin maple syrup (Dark Robust)
- 1 Tsp. of salt or to taste.
Add oil to skillet or wok and heat over med-high heat to shimmering. Add Brussel sprouts and cook for 3-5 min stirring occasionally until a slight char starts to appear on cut side. Add garlic and nuts and continue to cook for 2 minutes stirring frequently. Turn down heat to med-low stir in vinegar and reduce. Stir in maple syrup and take off heat. Salt to taste and serve warm.
Maple Remoulade Sauce for Crab Cakes and More:
- 1 Cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- 1 ½ Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1 Tbsp Wisconsin maple syrup (Amber Rich)
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika salt and pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients together and chill until time to serve.
Darrin Kimbler, UW-Madison Extension Ag Educator for Iron County, joins the Maple Hour to highlight the culinary potential of maple syrup and perform a cooking demonstration making Maple Glazed Charred Brussel Sprouts and Maple Remoulade. Recipes included!
End of Season Cleanup – Apr. 2023
Theresa Baroun, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association, joins the Maple Hour to discuss end-of-season cleanup for all aspects of your maple operation.
Food Safety for Maple Businesses – Mar. 2023
Barbara Ingham, UW-Madison Professor of Food Science, provides guidance on food safety planning for food businesses using maple sugar in products such as maple-flavored sauces and dressings, sparkling maple water, and infused maple syrup.
Sugarbush Management – Jan. 2023
Dr. Mike Demchik, UW-Stevens Point Forestry Professor, joined the Wisconsin Maple Hour to share insights, considerations and strategies for managing a sugarbush to maintain and increase production and enhance ecological values.
Maple Sugaring at Mino Bimaadiziiwin Farm – Nov. 2022
Allissa Stutte, Farm Manager at Mino Bimaadiziiwin Farm, joins Wisconsin Maple Hour to discuss maple sugaring as part of food sovereignty efforts of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Energy Efficiency – Oct. 2022
Beth Peterson, Assistant State Conservation Engineer with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Bethany Reinholtz, Project Manager with GSD Associates join the Maple Hour to discuss energy efficiency projects for maple syrup operations and financial assistance to help make them happen.
Maple Identification and Distribution – Sep. 2022
During this inaugural session of the Wisconsin Maple Hour we talk with DNR forest ecologist and silviculturist Brad Hutnik about maple species in Wisconsin, how to identify them, their relevance for maple syrup and what we can expect about their prevalence and distribution in the future.
