Alabama Traditional Cane Syrup-Maker Joe Todd

In this wonderful 20 minute video, old-timer Joe Todd shows how he carries on the syrup-making traditions of his father and grandfathers.

Joe and his wife run this small organic operation by themselves and put in a lot of hard days' work to keep the tradition going. He traces his family's syrup-making efforts back to at least 1835 and still has equipment that his grandparents used.

Joe reveals some cane-growing wisdom in the video. He says that cane should be planted in the ground in furrows in October. It will grow roots all winter and get an early start sending up shoots in the Spring, giving it a head start on the growing season.