June 25, 2020
The Lynches have been farming since the early 60’s and moved to their current farm in 1966. It wasn’t until about 10 years later when the Lynches first started making maple syrup. The Verified My Pick farmers also grow wheat, corn, and beans and have a sizable garden. The sugar bush just happened to be on their farm property and so they decided to give it a try!
As new maple sugar producers, the Lynches were self-taught and started with a very small operation. They enjoyed it so much that their operation quickly grew and they advanced to stainless-steel wood-fired equipment, all tubing and minimally invasive plastic spiles – except for a couple of trees on buckets so they can see how the sap is running. In addition to maple syrup, they also began making and selling maple butter, maple sugar leaves and, new this year, maple fudge! They also take orders for wedding favours.
The Lynches soon moved from exclusive farm sales to selling at their local Farmers’ Market as well! In 2000, the Lynches first brought their syrup to our market. Lorraine had read about the market in the paper and wanted to reach a more diverse customer base – and she’s never looked back! After almost 20 years, Lorraine and Hugh greatly enjoy a day at the market with their fellow vendors and regular customers!
While their maple syrup operation has grown over the years, it is still more of a hobby for the Lynch family than anything else – they put the time and energy into producing maple syrup because they greatly enjoy it! Hugh laughingly commented that one of the best things they get out of it is a bit of exercise – which Lorraine said he doesn’t actually need, what with all the farm work!
I had the privilege to walk through their sugar bush to see the maple trees and the sugar shack – the woods were calm and peaceful and the perfect place to learn about the Lynch family. Lorraine would love to provide tours to those interested in maple sugar production, and dreams of having a pancake house one day, but unfortunately, they aren’t set up for tours. Being a small operation run only by family, when it’s syrup season, there isn’t space in the sugar shack or time on hand to give tours. But, if you’re interested in hearing more about their maple syrup or seeing photos of their sugar shack and equipment, come out to the Farmers’ Market where you can chat with Lorraine and Hugh and see some great photos!
This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Farmers’ Market this Saturday, June 27th! Click on their names to find information on pre-orders and to learn more about their farms and businesses!
Stay tuned for more updates as more of our vendors return to the market over the next few weeks! Check out their websites for more information about their products and to see what’s in season!
