The Rural Voice, 1999-02, Page 41Ag riTec h
New web site, CD help syrup producers
By Janice Becker
The countryside is buried in snow,
yet it is just weeks until the first drips
of sap will begin to flow from maple
trees across Ontario.
The recent creation and
development of an
inter -connected Maple
INFO CD ROM and
web site has pulled
together information
from hundreds of
publications and
illustrations for those
in the maple syrup
industry.
One of the most
fascinating aspects of
the inter -connection
between the web site and the CD is
the ability to link into the graphics
from the site, though the CD is
required for viewing.
The web site is a great starting
place to gather maple syrup industry
information, but it is the CD which
keeps research data and technical
material close at hand. Without it, the
lengthy text would have to be printed
from the web site and convenience
would be limited.
The web site, which carrics in-
formation similar to the CD, is found
at www.aps.uoguelph.ca/info.ag.
Agri Link leads the visitor into a site
covering a full spectrum of material
relevant to the producer.
The site is geared to producers,
offering calculation formulas to
determine such things as tree spacing
and production levels per tree. Much
of the material is based in technology
and not for the casual browser. It
does, however, seem to offer wonder-
ful information for those in the know.
Aside from links to the North
American Maple Syrup Producers
Manual and the Maple Syrup Digest,
the index offers planning and
management for operators, tree
health factors, processing and product
information, marketing ideas and
much more.
Maple INFO tells the story of one
family's building of the business over
25 years, including lease agreements
with neighbouring maple bush
owners, a consideration for start up or
expansion.
Info from
leasing to
lead is
offered on
CD-ROM
The Icasc agreement goes through
a nine -step process, detailing with the
rights and obligations of both parties
involved in the transaction.
One failing I saw in the Maple
INFO material was the tremendous
amount of US -based information. I
would like to sce more Canadian
studies included as Maple INFO was
created in part by the Ontario Maple
Syrup Producers' Association,
Canadian Farm Business
Management Council and OMAFRA.
Designed for producers, extension
workers and researchers, there is still
interest for those not involved in the
business. The history of maple syrup
in North America and Europe is an
interesting rcad, beginning with the
first reference to the product found in
1664 Massachusetts.
Back at the home page for Maple
INFO, articles from the Maple Syrup
Digest from 1962 to the present can
be reviewed. The studies cover
everything from roadsidc marketing
to pest control and managing Icad
levels.
One step back to Agri Link and
the surfer can hook into numerous
maple syrup sites including Canadian
and American government agencies,
university studies and maple producer
organizations.
By connecting to the Ontario
Maple Syrup Producers' Association
at www.ontariomaple.com, I was able
to track down all the upcoming syrup
festivals across Ontario this season.
It's the perfect path to lead one to
thoughts of snow melting and the
coming spring.
The CD can be purchased through
the web site or by contacting
OMAFRA, P.O. Box 2004,
Kemptville, Ontario. KOG IJO.
The minimum requirements arc 4
Mb Ram, 386 processor, Windows
3.1 (running in Enhanced Modc) or
Windows 95, 10 Mb hard disk spacc
and a VGA monitor. Operation is
better with 8 Mb Ram and a 486
processor.0
Feedback and input is welcome.
Write to becker@wcl.on.ca.
Janice Becker is a computer
enthusiast and journalist living near
Walton, ON.
WATERLOO/SMALL
Quality, Performance, Service -
TRADITION
Eccles Maple Syrup
Supply
FOR YOUR
BROCHURE
GIVE USA
CALL
MAPLE
SUGARING
EQUIPMENT
CATALOGUE
1999
Jim & Karon Eech;s
(519) 369.5780
e�
ire (310
1999 Grey -Bruce
Woodlot Conference
March 27, 1999
Elmwood Community
Centre
9:30 - 3:30
Cost $15.00
(Includes Hot Lunch)
Registration
1-800-265-9152
1-800-265-3023
FEBRUARY 1999 37