McKnight Family Maple

About the Farm

McKnight Family Maple's story began in an unexpected place: a high school in 2002 where Alan and his future wife first met, never imagining they would one day become sugarmakers. After graduation, their paths diverged as Alan established Better Construction LLC and became a builder, while his partner pursued a career as an elementary school teacher. They married in 2008 and quickly welcomed three children into their lives: Aliza in 2009, followed by twins Austin and Bailey in 2011.

Their journey into maple syrup production started modestly when Alan began helping a sugarmaker on nights and weekends in 2008. The work captured his imagination so completely that he began dreaming of owning his own sugarbush and sugarhouse. After years of gaining experience by helping other sugarmakers and tapping trees, the couple took a leap of faith in 2018, purchasing 60 beautiful acres on Ober Hill in Johnson. The property came with a rich sugaring history but had sat dormant for years, its old sugarhouse fallen into disrepair.

Alan saw potential where others might have seen only decay, and after months of careful work that honored the property's history, McKnight Family Maple was officially born in 2020. The farm has grown substantially since those early days, now operating approximately 18,000 taps spread across six properties they own or lease. Their mission extends beyond simply producing high-quality, affordable maple products; they are dedicated to environmental stewardship, supporting local initiatives, and educating communities about the art and science of maple syrup production through school connections and community events.