For our 10th anniversary year, we at Fat Stone Farm hit many milestones. Just the other day, we bottled our 200th maple syrup batch. The batch numbers are consecutive, and we started with good ole number 1 in 2014. 

We also had our best elderberry harvest yet. The bushes were prolific and the weather was superb. I am waiting patiently for one of our on-line customers to hit her 100th order, and our strawberry haul was impressive! We welcomed Briana (see photo) to the team, and we now have 4 flavors of organic soda -- available to purchase on-line now. Of course we still make the best elderberry syrup on the market -- Elderberry Apple Shots -- the same way as always. And more of you are finding that our Elderberry Juice does a great job because it's double the elderberry as the Shots. 

We definitely got distracted by the election cycle in 2024, and still are keeping our eyes on the economy. The farmer's markets we participate in don't attract as many people, and there's no doubt folks are tightening their belts.

I completely empathize, as our own business costs are skyrocketing. Electricity, insurance, licenses and permits, software, freight, and more -- they just keep rising way beyond the pace of inflation. We did not raise prices (and haven't since 2021), but there's a decent chance that we will have to in 2025.

I did accomplish my personal 2024 goal to make sourdough bread, although I was not too impressed with my results, so I let that one go for now. I hope you met one or more of your personal 2024 goals and take a minute to make one or two new ones in 2025. 

Look for the return of honey, organic apple ginger turmeric vinegar, and see more about our new organic sodas in 2025. Wishing you a healthy new year and successes in your endeavors (no matter how big or small).

Sincerely, Liz