History of Ragged Ass Syrup

1st & 2nd Generation Sappers

The Nordberg & Rowe Family | 1929-1975

In 1929, Bessie Nordberg purchased the family's first evaporator to make mayple syrup in Gurney, WI. Little did she know, that decision would transpire into a legacy spanning over 4 generations of proud maple sappers.

Pictured to the left is Marian Nordberg (Bessie's daugther) and her son, Andrew Rowe, in the spring of 1965. This marked the first of many sapping seasons for Andrew, who would go on to spend every spring making maple syrup with his father, brother, two sisters, (pictured below) and their extended family.

3rd Generation Sappers

The Rowe Family | 1976 - 2022

From wheeling sap up hill both ways in radio flyer wagons, to hauling holding tanks of sap with heavy equipment - Andy's desire to continuously improve the sapping operation has never ceased. Work smarter, not harder - right?! Here at RASC, we consider Andy to be the "Original Maple Man."

Just as his parents passed on their love for maple sapping, he too would go on to share this tradition with his wife, Tammy, and their two sons, Jacob and Cameron. Andy is known for his innovative spirit, a real dreamer if you will. So while his ideas about maple expansion were met with some hesitation, that didn't stop him from pressing on - and after 36 seasons of sapping at the "Palace", the expansion came to life in 2021.

With approximately 4,000 taps, his family by his side, and a passion for sapping that runs deeper than sap line's on a 40 - Andy's dream maple operation is now a reality!