Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Stanley and Jeanette Ash, long-time residents of
Lafayette County, have spent nearly 27 years
perfecting the craft of cane syrup production,
preserving an agricultural tradition that dates back
generations. Their dedication to this craft has not only
earned them the respect of their community but also
the honor of being named the 2024 Farm Family of
the Year—a recognition they deeply cherish.
"Well, we're thrilled to be honored in such a way,"
Jeannette said. "Stanley is so concerned that young
people aren't interested in carrying on this tradition.
He's tried to get them involved, but after a year, they
often decide it's too much work. It interferes with
football and hunting seasons, so they lose interest. But
Stanley loves it, and I love it too because he does."
Born and raised in Branford, Stanley graduated
from Branford High School in 1967. Jeanette, his wife
of 53 years, has always supported his endeavors. She
has also been running her own beauty salon for 42
years. The couple married in 1971 and raised three
daughters—Susan, Sandy and Sonya. Together, the
Ashes built a life rooted in family and community, and
their cane syrup operation is a testament to their love
for both.
Stanley's journey into syrup-making began years
ago when he helped a friend, Albert Knight, with the
process. Before long, he developed a passion for it and
decided to learn more from the best syrup makers in
the region, including the late Dub Williams, who was
considered the top syrup maker in Lafayette County.
Stanley absorbed every bit of knowledge from
Williams, honing his craft over the years.
"There's no set way to make it," Stanley
explained. "It's one of those things you just have to get
a feel for."
Syrup-making is a year-long process. The Ashes
plant their sugarcane in October, and after a year of
care, they harvest it and prepare the cane by topping
it—a process where the top of the cane stalk is cut off
at an angle to make it easier to feed through the mill.
Stanley even designed a special saw to cut the cane
stalks, and the harvested stalks are then taken to the
"Stanley Cane Mill" on the Ash farm, where the real
magic happens.
Using a tractor's power take-off (PTO) shaft to
power the mill, the cane is squeezed, and the juice is
filtered before being boiled in an 80-gallon kettle.
Stanley uses a trick he learned from Williams to
determine when the syrup is ready, testing its
consistency by pouring a bit onto a piece of tin. If it
sticks, it's ready to be bottled.
From 80 gallons of cane juice, Stanley produces
between eight and 10 gallons of syrup, which is
carefully filtered one last time before bottling. Despite
their humble operation, the Ashes have developed a
loyal following through word-of-mouth, and their
syrup is in high demand. Local customers put their
names on a waiting list, ensuring they don't miss out.
"We have people who tell us to keep them on the
list until they die," Jeanette laughed. "We can't meet
the demand anymore, but we do the best we can."
A key part of the Ashes's operation is their
commitment to education. Their daughter, Sandy
Bass, a first-grade teacher, came up with the idea to
bring Lafayette Elementary School students to the
farm to learn about the syrup-making process. The
trips quickly became a hit, and soon even students
from Steinhatchee were traveling to participate. Every
year, students visit the farm to see the syrup-making
process firsthand—from grinding the cane to boiling
and bottling the syrup.
"We really enjoy the interest from the school
kids," Jeanette said. "It makes it all worthwhile to
teach them a little bit that might spark something that
would make them want to do it in the future."
When the first graders arrive, the Ashes host as
many as 150 people at a time, including parents who
are just as fascinated by the process as their children.
The students are even treated to warm biscuits with
fresh butter and syrup, made right there on the farm.
Jeanette reflected on the significance of the
Lafayette County community. "This is the best place
in the world to live," she said. "I wouldn't want to raise
a family anywhere else. This community is super."
The Ashes's commitment to their craft extends
beyond syrup-making. They have attended numerous
workshops hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension to
ensure they are using sustainable practices in growing
their sugarcane, including fertilization, irrigation and
pest control. Over the years, they've experimented
with different sugarcane varieties to produce the best
quality syrup while being environmentally conscious.
Despite their dedication, Jeanette acknowledges
that the future of the operation is uncertain. Their
children are successful in their own careers and not
particularly interested in taking over. However, one
son-in-law has expressed interest in continuing the
tradition on a smaller scale, and recently, their
grandson-in-law mentioned wanting to learn how to
make syrup, ensuring it's just like Stanley's.
For now, Stanley and Jeanette continue to pour
their hearts into the art of syrup-making, creating a
product that reflects their dedication to family,
tradition and community.
Stanley and Jeanette were joined by their family
on Monday, Sept. 9, as they were recognized as the
2024 Farm Family of the Year by the Lafayette
County Farm Bureau during its Annual Membership
Meeting.
"Many people rely on cane syrup from the Ashes
in the community, but their reach extends beyond
that," Rod Land, President of the Lafayette County
Farm Bureau, stated. "They have people order syrup
from down south where sugarcane is grown
commercially, but no cane syrup is made. They also
sell their syrup in family-owned stores throughout the
state. We are proud that they are holding onto this art
that is slowly being forgotten, and we hope that future
generations will continue with this tradition."
"We're honored, but we feel unworthy," Jeanette
said. "We just do what we love, and this community—
this life—is home, and always will be."