Maple and lambing season celebrated in Gilford

The delicious smell of boiling maple sap is in the air, and maple season is underway with New Hampshire Maple Month upon us once again. Jeff Keyser, manager of Ramblin’ Vewe Sheep Farm, and his wife, Joyce Keyser, owner of Shepherd’s Hut Market farm, are looking forward to this year’s maple production as well as the birth of the spring lambs.

Jeff runs the sugaring operation from the small maple shack near the sheep barn. As long-time farm manager and shepherd Jeff has been busy in his spare time with collecting sap and boiling up this year’s syrup.

Jeff is also dealing with this year’s spring lambs — assisting in births and feedings. From the evaporator you can clearly look into the barn and see the many little lamb faces looking back. The lambs always delight their viewers. Children and adults will enjoy visiting the barn and enjoy a lot of photographic opportunities.

The evaporator runs using the sap collected from a number of taps on the farm and on the Keyser’s property in Sanbornton. Jeff will be happy to explain the operation whether the boiling is happening or not. As it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of pure maple syrup, a lot of work is involved to make this awesome New Hampshire product.

Market owner Joyce Keyser is preparing for visitors at Shepherd’s Hut Market. While at the farm stand visitors can get some of this year’s maple syrup as well as other food products, including eggs and lamb. It is also a great time to think of the coming Easter celebration, with fresh Gilford Lamb for dinner and special one-of-a-kind gifts of hand-spun yarn, hand-made sewn items for the kitchen, and supplies for needle felting.

Jeff and Joyce invite visitors to come to this special time at the farm on New Hampshire Maple Weekend, March 16-17. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The celebration is located at 637 Morrill St. in Gilford. For directions or more information, contact Joyce Keyser at 603-393-4696.