Decision Tool

An Operation-Specific Decision Tool for Species Diversification in Sugarbush

Finalist, AAEA Extension Competition, Kansas City, MO, 2026

About the tool

This interactive decision tool helps maple syrup producers assess whether species diversification in their sugarbush fits their operation and, if so, at what level of diversification intensity. It combines financial cost-benefit analysis with producer preferences estimated from a choice experiment, starting from survey-based default values that producers replace with their own operation, market, and planning-horizon information. The tool supports both self-guided use and consultations with extension educators and foresters.

Opening screen of the decision tool, where producers enter their sugarbush area, taps, production, and local market conditions
Producers start from survey-based default values and replace them with their own operation’s numbers.
Results screen showing a best-fit diversification level of 25 percent and a chart of estimated value across diversified shares
The tool reports the best-fit diversified share and how estimated value changes as more land is diversified.

Producer Engagement

Agroforestry for Conservation and Recreation Workshop

Information booth · Monticello, IL · 2025

Farmer Focus Group for Corn Belt Diversification Survey

Facilitator, 4 farmers · Urbana, IL · 2025

Backyard Maple Syrup Workshop

Information booth · Dixon Springs, IL · 2025

International Maple Syrup Conference

Information booth · Sturbridge, MA · 2023