Steam rises from a maple sugar evaporator, making maple syrup at Phyllis Hayward's East Hill Farm

A Success Story: Phyllis Hayward, Hayward’s East Hill Farm, Chelsea

The Hayward family had been maple sugaring on their land for more than 50 years, and after a hiatus, sap became syrup again at this hill farm. After almost a decade-long break in production, Phyllis and her son resumed the business by collecting and selling their maple sap to another sugar maker. As their operation grew, Community Capital of Vermont supplied financing for the Hayward family to add taps, renovate their barn and purchase an evaporator and other equipment. The Haywards were able to transition their business from selling sap to once again making syrup.