Maple Grading School - May 17 & 18, 2012

Arrangements have been made to bring “advanced” maple syrup training to Minnesota on Thursday-Friday May 17-18, 2012, on the campus of St. Johns University, Collegeville, MN near St. Cloud. The class will begin at 9:00AM both days.

The International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI) will present the acclaimed IMSI Maple Grading School. The class will be taught by Kathy Hopkins, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Henry Marckres, Consumer Protection Section Chief, Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

The program is applicable to experienced maple syrup producers and others involved in the maple industry. The two-day workshop will feature hands-on exercises and group discussion. Topics will include methods, variables and equipment used to measure maple syrup density, maple syrup grades including the proposed new grading system, quality standards for maple products, maple syrup flavors and causes of “off flavors”, syrup filtration, maple food safety issues and other related topics. Emphasis will be on active interaction, discussion and hands on use of equipment.

The cost of the workshop is $150 per person and includes instruction, course materials, lunches, refreshments and a take-home grading kit. The ideal class size is 25 and will be filled on a first come basis. Registration priority will be given to MMSPA members and then registration will be opened to non-members including Wisconsin producers as space is available.

All MMSPA members have been sent registration information. Additional information can be obtained from Stu Peterson at 218-758-2796 or Email at campaquila@aol.com .

Driving Directions: Saint John’s is located about 90 miles NW of the Twin Cities.  Take I-94 to the Saint John’s/County Road 159 exit (# 156).  At the end of the ramp, turn left (south) and drive towards campus.   Continue straight when you reach the four-way stop at the entrance to campus.  Right before you reach the circle drive in front of the church, make the first left turn into the Science Center parking lot.  Peter Engel Science Center is the building to the south (right as you enter the lot).

Food: Lunch is on your own.  You may bring a bag lunch or purchase a meal at the Saint John’s cafeteria for $9.25 (cash or credit cards are accepted). 

Registration Fee:  $5.00 for cost of beverages/snacks/facility.   Kids under 12 are free.

Local Lodging
Saint John’s Abbey Guest House (on campus;  320-363-2573)
Super 8 – St. Joseph – ask for the Maple Syrup Meeting Special Rate!!!
1825 E. Minnesota Street
St. Joseph, MN 56374  (320) 363 – 7711

Other Hotels in the St Cloud Area:
AmericInn Hotel and Suites 800-634-3444   320-253-6337
Comfort Inn 800-221-2222   320-251-1500
Days Inn 800-DAYS-INN 320-253-0500
Fairfield Inn 800-228-2800   320-654-1881
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 800-465-4329   320-253-9000

• Guests; Kathy Hopkins University of Maine - Extension and Henry Marckres
• Vermont Agency of AG - Food and Markets (Industry Update, NE Production 2012, Maple Grades project, Grading School recap, Q&A)
• Crop Reporting / Open Discussion
• Maple Syrup Contest Results