This month, Sweet Talk co-hosts and co-directors of the Cornell Maple Program Aaron Wightman and Adam Wild share the mic for a final episode together. As Aaron departs the Maple Program to pursue other endeavors, Adam asks him to reflect on his past ten years of service to the maple industry and his favorite things about the maple community that he will always be a part of.

Episode produced by Ailis Clyne

Music - Long and Low Cloud by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This month, Adam interviews Joël Boutin, a maple specialist, consultant, and educator from Québec, Canada. He is considered by many to be the foremost maple expert working today. After 40 years working in the maple industry, he has much to share, and, amazingly, still much to learn as the industry rapidly grows and changes. This episode focuses on best tapping practices that could help ensure success this sap season.

Episode produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud, Funk and Flash, both by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This month, Aaron interviews Adam Henne, the new educator with the New York State Maple Producers Association (NYSMPA). They discuss the goals of and improvements made to this valuable education program. Learn more about the program at: https://nysmaple.com/the-maple-experience/

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud, Funk and Flash, both by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This month, Aaron interviews Alina Stelick, manager of the Cornell Sensory Evaluation Center. She shares the results of research pursued for her doctorate degree on buddy syrup and other late season syrup sensory profiles, as well as on consumer acceptance of these syrups.

Alina Stelick's buddy syrup research has resulted in two Extension Bulletins that are available now on the Cornell Maple Program home page (www.cornellmaple.com).

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud, Funk and Flash, both by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This month, Aaron and Adam discuss their experiences testing different methods for chilling sap during the warm part of the production season in mid-spring. Technology to improve and preserve sap quality is becoming essential as the weather gets warmer during the sap collection season. Methods for all different budgets and sized operations are discussed in this episode.

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This month, Aaron interviews Eric Shatt, owner of Redbyrd Orchard Cider & Kombucha. Together, he and his wife Deva Maas operate a diversified farm with a wide array of hard cider apple tree varieties, sheep and geese that graze the orchards, and a small maple sugarbush. These enterprises synergize, not only on the land, but also in the cidery / fermentation kitchen where they develop unique value-added products.

Find Redbyrd Orchard at the Ithaca Farmers Market, or learn more at: https://www.redbyrdorchardcider.com/

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud, Funk and Flash, both by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

After about one year since the last one, this is our fourth installment of "Ask a Maple Specialist." Aaron and Adam answer some of your most frequently asked maple questions.

To have your question featured on the show, visit the Sweet Talk webpage at www.cornellmaple.com (https://blogs.cornell.edu/cornellmaple/sweettalk/). Or, submit your question directly on the Spotify app.

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This month, Aaron interviews Gabe Karns from The Ohio State University. Gabe has been studying Freeman's maple, a hybrid between red and silver maple that may prove to be more resilient and just as productive as sugar maple.

Gabe can be reached at: [email protected]

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud, Funk and Flash, both by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This is our third installment of "Ask a Maple Specialist." Aaron and Adam answer some of your most frequently asked maple questions.

To have your question featured on the show, visit the Sweet Talk webpage at www.cornellmaple.com (https://blogs.cornell.edu/cornellmaple/sweettalk/). Or, submit your question directly on the Spotify app.

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

This month, Adam interviews Scott St. Mary from St. Maple in Malone, NY. Scott has a unique and successful approach to maple marketing and retail, especially through novel products and a popular maple food trailer.

Episode Produced by Ailis Clyne.

Music - Long and Low Cloud, Funk and Flash, both by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)