Maple syrup, a new Oklahoma industry

from The O'Colly, Friday, May 26, 2023

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Stephanie Landaverde News and Lifestyle Editor

Maple syrup production is a $132 million industry, and Oklahoma State University researchers are hoping to tap into it by exploring production in Oklahoma.

The U.S. produces almost 4.5 million gallons of maple syrup annually, but the industry is nonexistent in Oklahoma.

So, Lu Zhang, OSU assistant professor of horticulture, and her colleagues are spending the summer visiting maple groves across Oklahoma.

“There is a large maple production industry in the northern part of the U.S., but not here, so we wanted to look at whether maple syrup collection was possible here,” Zhang said.

Five maple tree species are indigenous to Oklahoma: sugar maple, red maple, silver maple, boxelder and Florida maple. Sugar maple, the maple species most commonly used to produce syrup, and silver maple are found in at least 15 Oklahoma counties. Sugar maple syrup can be harvested, and the other four Oklahoma species have potential for being harvested, according to Zhang’s preliminary research data.

“The potential taps in Oklahoma for the five maple species are 5.8 million,” Zhang said. “It is important to explore the potential of alternative maple species for syrup production in different geographic locations.”

OSU researchers and Extension specialists will visit maple groves in Idabel, Talihina and Quapaw this summer to establish them as sap harvesting locations for research through a $500,000 U.S. Department of Agricul- ture grant. Oklahoma Native American tribes traditionally collected sap from sugar maple trees. Zhang and colleagues Bob Heinemann, superintendent of the OSU Kiamichi Forestry Research Station, Mike Schnelle, OSU professor and Extension ornamental/ floraculture specialist, and Lu Zhai, assistant professor of natural resources, have formed a working relationship with the Choctaw Nation to explore syrup production. “We will determine how much maple sap can be collected seasonally from the five maple species using traditional buckets/bags, gravity-based tubing systems and high-vacuum tubing systems,” Zhang said. “This project will answer the basic questions landowners ask before investing in maple syrup production. This could be the start of a maple syrup industry in Oklahoma.” Zhang said the other part of the project is letting people know about the potential of syrup production. Researchers will create and share information through a regional maple tapping network that uses standardized tapping techniques for sap collection and data recording. Schnelle will establish maple production workshops this fall to share the research findings with potential syrup producers.

“Over the next two years, I will be providing outreach to landowners,” Schnelle said. “I want to work with people already blessed with large trees and people who are just starting out. For those who aren’t established, they can start up for the future. If people are willing to wait years for pecan and chestnut trees to come to full term, they should be willing to do so for maple trees.”

Schnelle wants to encourage people to grow dualpurpose maple trees for syrup production and ornamental use as well as encourage encourage landowners with maple trees who do not want to harvest syrup to lease their land to others who want to do so.

Schnelle and his colleagues will bring in Michael

Farrell, an expert from New Leaf Tree Syrups, to train the research and Extension specialists in maple tapping. Initial planning for fall workshops is underway for the Idabel and Talihina areas.

“Right now, we are staying with indigenous maples, but I could see us expanding to other maples in the future,” Schnelle said. “This could be a great long-term project. We’re excited with what we are seeing and hearing so far with people’s interest. This whole idea of Oklahoma-made syrup is exciting. I think people could make a good living out of this, especially as a side business.”

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Athlete interest was strong across the state and OSU students, staff and faculty joined as partners, Jones said. As well as participating in a number of intramural events, OSU Unified held monthly gatherings to build relationships.

Athlete Brandon Rhodes traveled from Ponca City, Oklahoma, to participate. Brandon’s mother, Janiece, said she has been amazed to see his growth and the connections he has formed.

“We started in November with volleyball, and since that time, he has become more confident,” Janiece said.”He has autism and he’s been speaking, having conversations. They treat him just like he’s one of their regular peers and that’s what is wonderful about it. When he first started, he was so into himself. He had a hard time communicating. He was frustrated. Over the past several months, he’s come out of his shell. He’s blossomed into a (wonderful) version of himself I didn’t know I was ever going to see.”

Athlete Abby Allison actively participated with OSU Unified during the school year. Abby’s mother, Kathy, said it’s been a great experience for Abby and her family.

“Because of this, she’s making friends with other people, not only with special needs,” Kathy said. “The (OSU) students have been amazing. We’re seeing relationships develop that honestly, I had not expected. We’ve had so much support and encouragement for her. She feels like she’s part of a team and part of a greater community than before.”

The Allisons live in Stillwater have a strong connection to OSU. Katy, her husband and Abby’s siblings are OSU alumni, and they are proud to be part of the Cowboy family.

“Seeing OSU do this is a real family thing for us,” Kathy said. “It means so much. When Abby sees anything OSU, she’s like mom, ‘OSU! Go Pokes!’”

Thanks to a special investment, OSU Unified is expected to grow and will continue in the fall with a full roster of intramural sports.

“We are so grateful to Chelsea Alexander and First Cowboy Darren Shrum for the funding provided by Chilly Cowboy that will allow us to continue to expand our programming,” Jones said. Athlete and partner registration for fall events will open in mid-July.

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