A lesson in growing cane and making syrup

By Carrie A. Mizell

Agriculture students at Trenton Middle-High School are now selling bottles of cane syrup they made this week.
The students planted the sugarcane last fall after members of the community donated the cane.

During class times students harvested the sugarcane, explained Heather Rucker, Trenton FFA Jr. advisor.
Once it was harvested the students shucked the grass from the stalks of the cane to prepare it for grinding, which was done on Monday.
The first boiling was also done on Monday.
“We cooked 80 gallons of cane juice, which made 10 gallons of syrup,” Rucker said.
The syrup is being sold in 10-ounce bottles for $4 and 5-ounce bottles for $2.
“They can be bought individually or by the case,” Rucker said. “They make great Christmas presents!”
Monies raised from the sale of the cane will help defray costs of initial setup.
To purchase the cane syrup, call 463-3273.