Feb 11 2009
Will Sugaring Season Be a Disaster?
Sugaring season is upon us, and for those that don’t know what this is, it is when farmers begin collecting maple sap. Usually, this time of year is when we all gear up for that first big thaw in February, which coincidentally is this week for many producers. The warm up is followed by a cold snap. Unfortunately, all of this peculiar weather is adding up to a disaster for some. The end result could be less real maple syrup and higher prices at the grocery store.
The ice and snow damage that has been occurring over the past two months is causing damage both to the trees, but also to the taps and collection tubes that many producers use. In addition, the weather conditions are making it difficult for some to even get to their trees to collect the sap, especially if they aren’t using the gravity tubes.
Massachusetts Maple Producers Association’s Executive Director, Thomas McCrumm, is reporting that around 50 percent of the maple taps were affected by the weather. In Massachusetts alone, there is expected to be a 20 percent drop in production this year.
Stock up now, folks before the grocery stores start raising the prices!
