E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
(518) 457-5570
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Amanda Dawson
Friday, June 11, 2007
www.nass.usda.gov/ny
NEW YORK MAPLE
SYRUP PRODUCTION
DOWN 11 PERCENT
New York maple syrup 2007 production decreased 11 percent
from last year’s production. Syrup production is estimated at 224,000
gallons, down from the 253,000 gallons produced in 2006 according
to Stephen Ropel, Director of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service,
New York Field Office. Only two states,
Vermont and Maine,
produced more syrup. The number of taps, 1.47 million, decreased 4 percent
from last year. Syrup produced per tap averaged 0.152 gallons, down from 0.165
gallons in 2006. The final value of the 2006 crop is $8.02 million,
14 percent above the previous year’s value of production. However, the
overall price was $31.70, the same as last year’s price.
Sugar content this year was low across the State, some producers never reached
2 percent. Sap quality was poor and the syrup darkened early. Producers
reported making some medium amber, but mostly dark, and little light amber.
Syrup color was 54 percent dark, 40
percent medium, and 6 percent light. Most producers reported a poor maple
season due to the extended warm and cold periods. Only a few producers reported
tent caterpillars hindering maple production. During the maple season producers
experienced some snow late in January, then a long warm spell, followed by
an abundance of snow. The inconsistent weather pattern made it difficult
for consistent sap flow.
The 2007 U.S.
maple syrup production totaled 1.26 million gallons, down 13 percent from
2006. The number of taps is estimated at 7.28 million, up less than 1 percent
from the 2006 total of 7.26 million, while the yield per tap is estimated
to be 0.173 gallons, down 14 percent from the previous season.
Vermont led all States in production with 450,000 gallons, a decrease
of 2 percent from 2006. Production in Maine, at 225,000 gallons, decreased 25 percent
from last season.
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6-11-07