Massachusetts Maple Month ushers in ‘spring’s awakening’

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle reads a proclamation for Massachusetts Maple Month at Severance’s Maple Products in Northfield on Friday morning. Milt and Robin Severance stand at right. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

People gather at Severance’s Maple Products in Northfield on Friday morning as Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle reads a proclamation for Massachusetts Maple Month. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle uses a brace and bit to drill a ceremonial tap hole in a maple tree outside Milt and Robin Severance’s sugarhouse in Northfield on Friday morning. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By BELLA LEVAVI

Staff Writer

Published: 03-01-2024 3:36 PM

NORTHFIELD — Tree sap being boiled down into maple syrup filled the air with a sweet aroma on Friday as Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle celebrated the kickoff of Massachusetts Maple Month by ceremonially tapping a maple tree at Severance’s Maple Products.

“This truly marks spring’s awakening, as we like to call it,” Randle said. “It is our first agricultural crop of the season, and we couldn’t have chosen a better location this year.”

The commissioner was accompanied by maple sugarers, politicians, fellow MDAR representatives, Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi and Kristen Elechko, western Massachusetts director for the governor’s office, to celebrate the crop.

As is done annually, Gov. Maura Healey has declared March as Massachusetts Maple Month, encouraging people across the state to visit their local sugarhouses for tours, homemade breakfasts, and to buy maple syrup and other products.

“Whereas, Massachusetts maple producers employ more than 1,000 workers and contribute more than $15 million to the state’s economy each year,” Healey wrote in her decree. “Whereas, Massachusetts maple farmers maintain and perpetuate a cherished New England tradition and a way of life that benefits all residents of Massachusetts. Now, therefore, I, Maura I. Healey, governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim March 2024 to be Massachusetts Maple Month and urge all residents of the commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.”

As agriculture reawakens for the season, Friday’s kickoff event was one of many that will occur to support and highlight farmers.

“This past year was particularly challenging for farmers in Massachusetts with the floods,” Gobi said in an interview. “I am glad individuals stepped up and we did not lose a single farm despite all the heartache they endured.

“Today was a fantastic day as we start Maple Month,” she continued. “I might be one of the only people around who doesn’t like leap year because it delays Maple Month by another day.”

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