=========================================================== New England Agricultural Statistics - - - a field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service United States Department of Agriculture Aubrey R. Davis, Director Phone: (603) 224-9639 22 Bridge St, 3rd Floor Fax: (603) 225-1434 PO Box 1444 Internet: http://www.usda.gov/nass/ Concord, NH 03302-1444 E-Mail: nass.nh@nass.usda.gov =========================================================== MAPLE SYRUP 2005 June 10, 2005 The following is an abbreviated version of the report. The entire document is available as a PDF file on the Internet through: http://www.nass.usda.gov/nh/ =========================================================== MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION DOWN 18 PERCENT NATIONWIDE UNITED STATES: The 2005 United States maple syrup production totaled 1.24 million gallons, down 18 Percent from 2004. The number of taps was estimated at 7.10 million, up two percent from the 2004 total of 6.96 million, while the yield per tap was estimated to be 0.175 gallons, down 19 percent from 2004. Vermont led all States in production with 410,000 gallons, a decrease of 18 percent from last season. Maine's production, at 265,000 gallons, decreased 9 percent from 2004. Production in New York at 222,000 gallons, is 13 percent below 2004. Production is down 50 percent in Wisconsin, 31 percent in New Hampshire, 27 percent in Michigan, 20 percent in Massachusetts, 12 percent in Ohio, and 9 percent in Connecticut from last season. Pennsylvania, the only State with increased production, is up 2 percent from 2004. An increase in taps in most States was more than offset by a decrease in yield causing production to decline. Temperatures in the maple producing States were generally unfavorable for good sap flow and syrup production in 2005. Most of these States experienced weather that was too cold for sap flow. On average, the season lasted approximately 24 days in 2005 compared to 30 in 2004. Pennsylvania had the earliest sap flow in 2005 with an approximate season opening day of January 20. New York had the latest sap flow in 2005 with an approximate season ending date of May 1. Sugar content of the sap for 2005 was higher than last year. Approximately 40 gallons of sap was required to produce one gallon of syrup. This compares with 42 gallons in 2004 and 41 gallons in 2003. More light syrup was produced than last year but overall most syrup produced was of medium color. The 2004 United States average price per gallon was $28.40, up $0.10 from the 2003 price of $28.30. The United States value of production, at $42.8 million for 2004, was 20 percent above 2003. The average price per gallon increased in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, with Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Vermont showing price decreases. NEW ENGLAND (excluding Rhode Island): In New England maple syrup production for 2005 totaled 782,000, down 16 percent from last year. Vermont remained the largest producing State in New England and the Nation, with 33 percent of the Nation's maple syrup. Taps in New England totaled 4.1 million, up 1.0 percent from last year and making up 58 percent of the Nation's maple taps. The 2005 maple season was rated too cool in temperature, causing production decreases in all five New England states. Temperatures were reported at 57 percent too cool, 22 percent too warm, and 21 percent favorable. The season stared late because it was too cold and then warmed up too fast. Earliest dates for each State were as follows: New Hampshire - February 1, Connecticut and Massachusetts - February 2, Vermont - February 4, and Maine - February 14. Latest closing dates were Connecticut - April 15, Massachusetts - April 19, New Hampshire - April 23, Maine - April 29, and Vermont - April 30. The sugar content of the sap was average, requiring 40 gallons of sap to produce a gallon of syrup. The majority of the syrup produced was medium amber followed by light amber and then dark syrup. 2004 PRICES AND SALES: Across New England, the average equivalent price per gallon for 2004 maple syrup varied widely depending on the percentage sold retail, wholesale, or bulk. The 2004 all sales equivalent price increased $3.10 in Connecticut to $51.70 and $4.40 in Massachusetts to $46.30. The price dropped $3.10 in Maine to $19.40, $7.60 in New Hampshire to $35.40, and $0.50 in Vermont to $27.30. Maine's price continues to be lower than the other States due to the high percentage of bulk sales within that State. New England's 2004 gallon equivalent price of $26.87 reflects a decrease of $1.09 from the 2003 price of $27.96. CONNECTICUT - Hartford: There was almost a month (actually about 3 weeks in March) when it was too cold for sap flow. Otherwise, most of the season was basically favorable. February was too cold, except for the 14th and 15th with temperatures just getting to 40 degrees. By the end of March it stayed above freezing at night stopping sap flow. Litchfield: We started the season in early February and sap ran good for about 6 days. Then it got cold for 16 days and no sap. I think we made about 80 percent of a normal crop. I have seen a better season and I have seen worse. Overall, it was a fair season. It was a short season, but we made an average amount of syrup in a shorter amount of time. We made in two weeks what would normally take 6 weeks. Middlesex: Very warm end of January lead to the first good run but with winter's return in February, the flow stopped cold. What a great end of February and March. One of the best year's ever. New Haven: Radical weather changes throughout February. I tapped late February. It was a short and steady running season that lasted less than three weeks but produced normal season totals. It was a hectic but very good season for me. The syrup was light and quality was better than normal. It was too cold throughout much of the season. No big runs but a lot of light syrup. Sap was frozen for over three weeks then we had two good weeks in March. New London: Season was mostly late. I boiled 11 of 13 days in late March. Most of crop was light to medium. Weather was cool during late runs keeping sap quality very good. Very short season but great flow most of the 24 days. Record amount of sap collected. We had higher than average sugar content the whole season. Tolland: It was a very late start to the season. Once the season started we had a few good days but nothing great. Syrup was of good quality. It was very cold early on. As far as syrup production, this was a two week season. It was too cold, but we made nice light syrup. Too much snow kept the ground and air cold. The temperature was too cold at night with low 20s and teens. The season started late with a lot of cloudy days. It was not good for sap flow. From February 20 to March 8 there was no syrup production because it was too cold. Windham: We bought a vacuum system this year and it made a big difference. It was a very short season as the weather stayed too cold. During March 10-22 night temperatures were right but not enough during the rest of the month. MAINE - Androscoggin: The season was too cold in the beginning of March and then the season warmed up too quickly. Aroostook: Perfect! Sap ran every day that I had trees tapped. It was the first time in 33 years of sugaring that I collected and boiled every day. The snow held up really well until after I cleaned up and came out of the woods. Good sledding for transport from taps to boiler every day. It rained two or three days at the end of the last week, but sap ran even those days. I can't wait until next year. Franklin: Weather conditions were good, but only for a very short time; maybe the shortest season in the past 40 years. It was too cold early, so the season was late getting started. Then it warmed up too much and didn't freeze. We had a warm spell in the middle of February and then the beginning of March went back below zero with major snow storms. This definitely affected the sap flow. When it finally did begin to run, the quantity of the sap was low, but the quality of the sap was high. Due to the off weather, the season was not as productive as we had hoped. Best flavor ever but not enough of it. The weather was all over the place after February. We had three good days; February 15, 16 and 17. Then it was too cold. Then when sap finally flowed again it was too warm. No production this year, season began too late for our production schedule. Hancock: The month of March was too cold and then it got too warm so sap only ran two weeks. Kennebec: It was too cold and then too warm. There was a lot of snow and cold when we started tapping and then it turned warm and stayed warm at night. I figured it to be the worst year that we have ever had. A lot of hard work with very little finished product. The first two weeks in February were conducive to sap production, but it was too early for us. Then it turned cold and didn't warm up enough until mid-March. Then there wasn't enough difference in day/night temperatures to create good sap flow. We only had one day when the sap ran really well (March 27). Knox: Weather was too cold too late into season March 18, and then too warm after it started. Lincoln: Not a bad year, but the season was late. The season was very short with no big sap flows. Oxford: The season was too cold and then too warm. We didn't tap quite early enough but had an average run. Sap really only ran for about three days, then "dribbled" along for a few more. Penobscot: Quality better than last year but quantity less. The season was shorter but steadier than last year. Somerset: It seemed like it should have been a better season. We had cold conditions followed by ideal conditions. Not enough cold nights and very windy. It was a short but sweet season this year. We got mostly light and medium syrup but less than past years. Cold from February 17 to March 6, so no sap runs. The rest of season, sap ran off and on, but we never saw a good run. MASSACHUSETTS - Franklin: It was not a good year. Daytime temperatures were favorable for sap flow but the lack of good overnight freezes did not produce many good sap runs. The season started late due to cold weather. Syrup had good color and flavor for most of the season. Vacuum made all the difference. The season was below average due to weather conditions. All of our syrup was made the last two weeks of March. We made 85% of our expected crop. Hampden: It was a short season. It started late and ended on time. Color and flavor was good. The weather was too cold in February except for the first week. It wasn't until March 7th that temperatures warmed up enough during the day and was below freezing at night. New Hampshire: Oil prices were too high for making maple syrup. It takes four gallons of oil to make one gallon of syrup. Started in February, then it froze up. Then we had only about two weeks in March until it got too warm. The sugar content was low to moderate. Did not get the temperature swings needed. The season was short but good quality. If we hadn't made syrup in February we would have been in trouble. Season came late as weather was cold in hill towns. Valley sugar makers started a bit earlier. Once it warmed up at the end of March, it was over for us. It was good in the beginning, but as in previous years when it warmed up, it got too warm and stayed too warm for a prolonged period of time thus ending the season before it really got going. Worcester: Very short season. Steady sap flow for 12 days. Then it came to an abrupt halt due to warm weather. Syrup had very good flavor. Weather was favorable in late February. Trees were tapped then weather turned cold until late March. Had very short sap runs then weather stayed too warm and ended the season. NEW HAMPSHIRE - Merrimack: Very cold early, then boiled for 14 days straight, then ended abruptly. Started late and ended early. Color a little darker than last year but good taste. We did okay this year considering the length of the season. It was very good quality syrup. We tapped part of our sugar bush in late February and got a small run. We made only a few gallons of syrup. Conditions were not good again until mid-March. By then, all our taps were up and I think the newly tapped trees did much better than those tapped in February. There were no good runs at all. We do not use vacuum. I think vacuum would have made a big difference this year. Color was light; flavor was excellent. Weather was too cold in February compared to last year. We had four weeks of favorable conditions versus eight weeks. Rockingham: Everyday had a moderate sap flow. We didn't have any down days or exceptional days. It was a very short season. Sullivan: The quality very good just not enough. Very cold and late start compared to average years. Sap sugar content was high but had minimal flows. Temperatures were too cold through mid-March. Then one week of good sap weather but too much snow around the trees and frost kept trees from flowing well. Then night temperatures stayed above freezing at higher elevations. It seemed to be a cold March, then when it warmed up it stayed warm so the sap never really flowed. Vacuum taps out produced gravity taps 6 to 1. Excellent sap flow temperatures but the trees just would not give up the sap. It seems like there was not enough water in the ground for the trees to replenish themselves for good runs. It was a late start due to cold weather. We never got any big runs. It warmed up fast at the end. Without vacuum we would have made very little syrup this year. It has become essential to our operation. VERMONT - Addison: A few good freezing nights and warm days, but too breezy for flow. It was too cold at the start and then too warm. Quality of syrup was excellent. It was a great season; short and sweet. It stayed cold until St Patrick's Day. Then it ran every day until Easter Sunday. It was a very short season. It was terrible weather for sugaring. The days did not warm up enough when they should have. Bennington: This was among the latest starting seasons we have ever seen. Once it started it ran well, but with such a late start there was only a limited amount of time before temperatures got too high. This was our shortest season ever. It was very warm weather in February. Then it was too cold in the middle of March. Good quality syrup was made here; just not much of it. Caledonia: Conditions were good early in the season but runs were small. It didn't get cold enough later in the season. The season started late and ended early. Most of the syrup was light and tasted good. It was not a good season; crazy weather and too dry. We finally had some good freezes and thaws once it budded. Chiittenden: Too cold then too warm. Then it warmed to nonfreezing temperatures after 10 days. There was not one good run of sap during the whole year. By the time the weather conditions were right it was too late. The weather seemed okay, but sap didn't flow. Maybe it was too dry. We only got half of our expected crop. The cold north wind blew all but four days. The syrup was excellent flavor and color. Franklin: We use buckets, so we didn't have the cold nights and warm days needed for good sap flow. We only got a crop because of our new vacuum. The weather stayed too cold through March. Easter Sunday (March 27) was the only day we had to gather twice. In a normal year we have 5 or 6 days that we gather twice. Beginning of April was too warm and the trees pushed fast with the bright sun. I'm glad we set extra taps this year otherwise it would have been a very disappointing season. We did not produce syrup this year because of the price of fuel. It was great weather for light syrup. I use buckets and we never had a good sap run. After the season was over we had frost every night for two weeks. First run in February, then not again until mid March but no big runs. Grand Isle: Too cold too early then warmed up too quickly. Lamoille: We had one good week. The rest of the season we had very poor runs. It got warm too quickly. Orange: The season started late. Temperatures were never quite ideal. Sap was sweet and color was light. Overall the season was 50 percent off. Weather conditions were actually good but we never had a strong sap run. The ground was frozen hard until well into April. I believe frost went too deep before we had our snowfall. The last week (April 8-15) was about right for highs and lows. The flavor was better in the lower grades than usual. Not a very good year. Orleans: Quality was excellent. Weather patterns were not quite right for someone who uses buckets and does not have fancy vacuum equipment. It was a very short season but it was too dry and cold for too long. The lines dried up so that when it did warm up enough the lines did not run. We only had one good run right at the end of the season. Good sugar content but no big runs. Good steady production from March 20 until Easter Sunday then very little sap. Did not sugar; oil price too high. Smallest crop in many years but we have seen worse. The flavor was very good throughout the season. Rutland: Too much snow in February and March. Tractor could not move so we decided to wait until next year. Runs came too late to sugar. Started out too cool for good sap flow and by April it was too warm. First week of April didn't get freezing nights for sap flow. Good tasting syrup and good color. Weather was very erratic. On days that seemed likely to be a good run, the trees would shut down early in the afternoon. Our syrup quality and color was good. Vacuum saved us. Made mostly very light fancy syrup. We got some ideal weather in February but we weren't ready. It was cold until the middle of March. For about two weeks we had good weather. Washington: Way too cold in the beginning of the season. Lowest yield of sap he has ever had. Only thing that saved us was the sap was so sweet. It was too cold in early to mid-March. It never really warmed up for good runs. When the temps were right, the wind turned to the south or east. Without our vacuum system, we would have made little or no syrup. We boiled 16 days in a row. This was one of the strangest sugaring seasons I have ever experienced. Windham: Snow was too deep when weather conditions were right. Weather went from uniformly too cold in early March to uniformly too warm the first week in April. Then it remained too warm. Quality was very good. We only had one real good run of sap. It just drizzled the rest of the time. Stayed cold longer than normal then after about two weeks of sugaring, it warmed up. Windsor: Quality was excellent, however quantity was average. No great runs, but location allowed for average production. Most producers in our area who were higher up said they averaged only half. Sap appeared to be thicker than normal. Glad we have vacuum system or we would not have had the production we did. *********************END OF REPORT**************************