Jay Thoman

“We’re at the edge of the Niagara escarpment and our tree roots penetrate into the karst limestone providing our maple syrup with a unique flavour,” says Jay Thoman of his 25-acre maple sugar bush. A former IT entrepreneur and standardbred horse trainer, Jay finds the maple syrup business deeply satisfying. Producing maple products high in minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, educating people on the health benefits, contributing to the local economy and earning great reviews with repeat customers are all part of the daily mix that sustains him. Practicing smallscale farming is a blessing to Jay who thrives on the family festival atmosphere of the sugar-off season – a time when Danbrie Farm flings open its doors to celebrate a distinctly Canadian harvest.