RICHFORD, Vt.—The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA) presented the 2023 Annual Maple Awards and announced winners of their first annual maple contest at their annual meeting on Saturday.

Outstanding Sugar Maker Award was given to Cody Armstrong, of Randolph Center, Vt.

Armstrong represents the next generation of Vermont sugar makers by focusing on achieving high yields, producing high quality syrup, and contributing to the vitality of the Vermont maple industry, the VMSMA said.

Amstrong has also shown interest in supporting students interested in maple by volunteering at the Vermont FFA Maple Career Development Event and looks forward to mentoring the next generation of sugar makers.

Vermont Maple Person of the Year was given to Donna Young, Morgan, Vt.

Young has devoted countless hours in support of the Orleans County Maple Producers Association through managing the maple contest at the fair and by sharing information gained through attendance at VMSMA meetings and maple conferences.

Young has also been involved with the design and roll out of the Sugarhouse Certification Program.

Her dedication to providing sugar makers with a detailed and easy to use program to ensure sugarhouse food safety coupled with her attention to detail in drafting templates and documents illustrate her commitment to the Vermont sugar makers and the maple industry.

The Sumner Williams Lifetime Achievement Award was given toi Glenn Goodrich, Cabot, Vt.

For 45 years Goodrich has worked on improving quality, designing equipment and improving efficiency. He has mentored many within the maple industry, young and old, assisting them in their operations to increase yield, and has been a long- standing and important educator both within the industry and within the tourism world.

He was one of the first sap tubing installers, doing work across the maple region in the country. He has held many county and state positions within maple organizations and is a sought after presenter on a wide variety of maple topics.

Glenn works tirelessly to help others with their maple projects, is always uplifting others and always willing to go the extra mile.

The results for the 2023 1st Annual VMSMA Vermont Maple Contest were as follows:

Best in Class Awards

• Maple Cream: Paul Palmer, Palmer Lane Maple, Jericho, VT

• Golden Color with Delicate Taste Syrup: Glenn & Ruth Goodrich, Goodrich’s Maple Farm, Cabot, VT

• Amber Color with Rich Taste Syrup: Pam & Rich Green, Green’s Sugarhouse, Poultney, VT

• Dark Color with Robust Taste Syrup: Pam & Rich Green, Green’s Sugarhouse, Poultney, VT

  Best in Show Award:

• Golden Color with Delicate Taste Syrup: Glenn & Ruth Goodrich, Goodrich’s Maple Farm, Cabot, VT