As the 2026 maple season approaches, producers across New York are exploring new ideas, methods, and equipment to make this their best season yet. From installing new tubing systems and improved spouts to refining vacuum setups and exploring innovative marketing strategies, maple makers are constantly improving efficiency, yield, and profitability. But beyond upgrading tools and technology, producers also need to invest in their most valuable resource — themselves.

Before the taps go in, take a weekend to connect, learn, and grow at the 2026 NYS January Maple Conference, hosted by the Catskill Maple Producers Association at SUNY Cobleskill on January 9–10, 2026. This in-person event offers maple producers — from first-time hobbyists to seasoned professionals — the chance to learn from leading experts, explore the latest equipment, and network with hundreds of peers from across the region.