Emily Holcomb of the Firelands FFA Chapter in Wakeman, Ohio, began producing maple syrup as a family project with her father. After being exposed to maple sugaring at a young age, she began to take a more active role in the operation. From November to February, she prepares for the upcoming syrup season by splitting wood, repairing tubing systems, filling in ruts used to collect sap and inspecting syrup pans. The family has 600-700 trees to tap on 21 acres. The trees are tapped in late February or early March and more than 200 gallons are collected. Impurities are removed during the processing. Holcomb is supported by her FFA advisor Shanna Finnegan. This award is sponsored by National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
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