Maple syrup farmers have an early start to the season in northeast Ohio

HIRAM TOWNSHIP, Ohio - The Jim Pochedly family farms in Portage County occupy property in both Hiram and Mantua Townships. They rotate crops and share responsibilities throughout each season.

The maple syrup season usually starts at the end of a freezing February, or the first week of March, but this year with mild temperatures in northeastern Ohio, the sap running from local maple trees started so early it caught most maple syrup farmers off guard. But not Mantua's Jeff Pochedly, he was ready and acted fast at the end of January, tapping up to two thousand buckets.

"We started tapping pretty quickly. It's been perfect weather, and it's all about the weather to tap our trees. Freezing temperature at night with a good thaw during the morning and afternoon, or even an above freezing night makes it run and we empty the buckets first thing in the morning," Pochedly said.

Jeff's father Jim may pack up for Florida each winter, but the farm and all of its property is in more than capable hands with veteran farmer sons, Jeff, Mike and Jim. The Pochedly family have been tending to this land for over a century. From corn, potatoes and pumpkins, to greenhouse flowers in the spring until the perfect Christmas tree, the Pochedly family has been serving this northern Portage county area with a steady supply of quality produce and consumer products. Jeff learned the maple syrup trade from his uncle, Matt Pochedly, and his first cousin of the same name. The timing of the heat to boil the sap requires patience and the Pochedly Farm syrup is a highly sought after product that sells out quickly. They often have to ration it until next season.

Pochedly Farm syrup can be found at local venues such as the Cabin in Burton and Richards Maple Products in Chardon. Dave Rennie of Richards said the Pochedly light amber is always of the highest quality. Before Jeff's uncle Matt passed away, he was always proud to say, "That's the only kind we make."

Besides selling all levels of maple syrup for the discriminating taster, Richards offers multiple maple sugar products. From maple beef jerky to maple syrup dog bones, there's something for everyone's taste buds.

Richards also sells supplies for anyone interested in gathering and boiling their own syrup at home.

Local resident Lynn Rollins and her family tried tapping their maple trees in their yard last year and quickly understood it was hard work. But, the half quart of fresh, and free, syrup was well worth it, so they were back in the store this week to stock up.

Lynn offers a tip for those trying it for the first time, "Start small and be happy with what you get the first year and be willing to let it grow. That's what we're doing this year. We're coming back for more. It was so enjoyable. We're buying more supplies today. I very much support local businesses and the local economy. I'm a big believer in the local food from local farmers. That's why we're here getting our supplies instead of getting them online."

Farmers like Jeff Pochedly are appreciative. He already has half of his yearly crop of syrup stored in barrels at the farm, jugs in local stores, or offered at their farm. The syrup gathering season would have normally just started, so Jeff will take the good fortune and is hoping for more to come even though he isn't getting much sleep this month.

"You have good years and bad years as a farmer, but we'll take a January and February like this,” Pochedly said.

For details to buy local pickup of Pochedly syrup, call: 330-274-8585. They do not have a website yet. For information on buying Pochedly syrup and other local farmer's syrup at Richards in Chardon, Ohio, call 440-286-4160, or go to their website at www.richardsmapleproducts.com