ONmaplesyrup

Overview

Producers in most regions experienced heavy flows on Sunday night into Monday, with little sap flow prior. It looks like Southwestern is on track to have a banner year, with some folks already surpassing their average yields. In other regions, a few producers noted metabolism in their first batches of syrup. A few people had trouble filtering, but most didn’t. Some producers in Algoma experienced a storm on Monday and are expecting damage to collection equipment.

Southwestern (5 – number of respondents)

Respondents recorded incredible sap runs this past week, with Sunday night being called “the best of the year”. One producer had sap running for 150 hours straight during the warm spell with high vacuum. Amber, dark, and very dark syrup was made with good flavour. Syrup colour seemed to darken as the week progressed. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 1.9. Some syrups had lots of niter, but it was easy to filter. Producers seem to be having a banner year, having produced 1.1 – 1.8 L/tap already, representing 50 – 130% of their average crop.

Grey-Bruce & District (3)

Producers didn’t seem to have much sap flow until Monday, when things picked up. Sap brix ranged from 2.3 – 2.6. Golden, amber and dark syrup was made with good flavour. One of the three respondents noted syrup was slow to filter, although better than last week. Producers have made up to 0.6 L/tap to date, representing about 30% of their average yield.

Waterloo-Wellington (6)

Producers seemed to have very good sap runs after the weekend. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 2.2. Amber and dark syrup was made with excellent flavour. No one reported trouble filtering. Producers have made between 0.5-0.85 L/tap so far, representing about 30-50% of their average yield.

Simcoe & District (7)

Producers noted some steady light days until the cold weekend, followed by a heavy run on Monday. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.8. Both amber and dark syrup was made, with good flavour. The majority of producers have made 0.07 – 1 L/tap so far, representing 10 – 50% of an average years crop.

Algoma (3)

Producers had a little sap flow early last week, but not much since the 10th. One producer measured sap brix at 1.8 and made amber syrup with excellent flavour. That same producer noted sap was difficult to get through the RO, requiring cleaning after short periods of use. Syrup was also difficult to filter. About 15% of an average years crop has been made so far. Producers were experiencing a winter storm on Monday as they responded and expect high winds and snow to damage lines.

Algonquin & District (10)

Sap flow seemed to be hit and miss. About half of the respondents experienced good runs Sunday/Monday, while some didn’t. Flow was slow otherwise. Sap brix was recorded at 1.4 and 1.6. Mostly amber syrup was made, with some dark. Most had good flavour, although one producer had metabolism in their first batch of syrup. Another noted slight nutty undertones. A couple folks had trouble filtering, both with paper filters and filter presses. About 0.13-0.2 L/tap has been made so far, representing about 10% of an average years crop.

Haliburton-Kawartha (4)

Most respondents got little sap, although one experienced some good flows. Sap brix was recorded at 1.9 and 2.4%. Both amber and dark syrup was made with good flavour, although someone’s first batch had metabolism. There were no issues filtering. Producers have made up to 30% of their average crop so far.

Ottawa Valley District (3)

Producers experienced minimal sap flow and did not make syrup.

Quinte & District (7)

Sap flow seemed to be minimal until Sunday night, when massive flows came rolling in. Sap brix was mainly between 2.1-2.3%, but one producer recorded up to 4%. Golden, amber and dark syrup was made, all with excellent flavour. There was no trouble filtering. Most producers have made between 20 – 50% of their average crop so far, producing up to 1.05 L/tap so far.

Lanark & District (7)

Sap flow was slow but steady, with some producers experiencing very good flow from Sunday to Tuesday. Sap brix ranged from 1.5 – 3.3%. Golden and Amber syrup was made with excellent flavour. One person noted that their first batch had metabolism. There were no problems filtering, although some people noted higher levels of niter by Monday and a bit more filter aid was required than normal. Between 0.2 – 0.3 L/tap has been produced so far, representing 15 – 18% of an average crop.

Eastern (6)

Producers generally recorded low-medium flows until Monday, when things began to pick up. Sap brix ranged between 1.5 – 2.5. Amber and dark syrup was made with mostly good flavour. One producer noted a slight off flavour. No one had trouble filtering. People have made between 5-20% of their average crop so far.

Good morning, everyone!

I hope no one’s bush was impacted by freezing rain last week and everyone’s operations are running smoothly. I look forward to hearing how the season is progressing. Here is the link to this week’s survey: Ontario Sap Flow Survey – March 16, 2026   – Fill out form.

For those who are unsure which region they reside in for the purposes of the survey, please see the map on the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association website. It is on their “About OMSPA” page. Here is the link: About OMSPA | Ontario Maple Syrup.

Also, if you have any questions, please email me at john.steele@ontario.ca or call at 519 835 8493. I can’t reply to any questions in the survey as all responses are anonymous.

Take care,

John

Overview

Producers in most regions had minor to very good sap flows between the 3rd to the 8th. Some producers in colder regions, such as Algonquin and Algoma, seemed to have better flows on the weekend. The majority of syrup made was golden and amber, although lots of dark syrup was made in Simcoe & district. Flavour was generally good, although a couple producers noticed a slight metabolic off-flavour. Some producers noted lots of niter and others had a hard time filtering, but the two weren’t always associated. Snow cover was significantly reduced in many bushes, although most had decent amounts of snow left.

Southwestern (4 – number of respondents)

There were very good sap runs in the past week, with reports of sap flowing for 4-7 days, sometimes at 24 hours per day. Some were shocked to see it run so long without a frost. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.2. Golden, amber and dark syrup were all made. Filtering was good for the most part, but there were some struggles. Producers have made between 0.3 – 1.3L/tap so far, representing 30 – 98% of their average crop.

Grey-Bruce & District (6)

Producers noted small to mediocre sap flow events. Sap flow was best when nighttime temperatures dropped below -4 C. Sap brix ranged from 2 – 2.8. For those who boiled, both golden and amber syrup was made with good flavour. Once producer noted challenges filtering high amounts of nitre with a filter press. Producers have made between 0.3-0.4 L/tap representing 15-20% of their average crop. Although snow cover was reduced significantly, producers noted good amounts of snow still left in the bush. One producer noted lots of spongy moth egg masses on trees.

Waterloo-Wellington (8)

Producers noted small – good sap runs over the past week. A big flow was noted after the warm up, with slow and steady production with the vacuum running. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.3. Producers made both golden and amber syrup with good flavour. Most producers had no problems filtering, although one noted niter was very fine and hard to filter out. Producers have made between 0.38 – 0.5 L/tap, representing about 20-30% of their average crop. Producers note a lot of the snow is gone from the bush, but some still remains.

Simcoe & District (12)

Producers noted some good days and some slow days. Sap brix ranged from 1.5 – 2.6. Both amber and dark syrup was made, but most producers seem to have made dark. One producer noted some light metabolic off flavours. Between 0.13 – 0.5 L/tap has been made so far, representing 3-25% of an average years crop. Producers note a decent amount of snow in the bush still after the thaws.

Algoma (2)

One producer experienced fantastic flow and the other only minor flows over a 72 hour period. One producer made syrup while the other froze sap to cool later sap runs. Sap brix was between 1 – 2.2%. Dark syrup was made with great flavour. Filtering syrup was very difficult despite no noticeable sugar sand. 0.15 L/tap was made representing 15% of an average crop. Squirrel chews were noted.

Algonquin & District (12)

Producers noted small – good sap flows, although most producers had good runs. Sap brix ranged from 1.2 – 2. Many folks were not done boiling by the time they responded to the survey, but those who had finished a batch made amber syrup. One producer noted a slight metabolic flavour. One producer noted there was lots of animal chewing damage from various animals. Many producers noted lots of snow melting in the bush, but there is enough to make working in the bush unpleasant. One producer noted how trees with 4-5 ft of snow weren’t flowing, whereas those with less snow were.

Haliburton-Kawartha (9)

Low to moderate flows were noted, perhaps due to temperatures being too warm at night. Sap brix ranged from 2 – 2.5. Golden, amber and dark syrup were all made, all with good flavour. One producer noted syrup was very difficult to filter, another noted the niter was black and gooey. Between 0.06 – 0.15 L/tap has been made so far, representing 5 – 12% of an average crop. Lots of snow melted, but there is still a decent amount in the bush. The warm temperatures have allowed some to improve their vacuum levels significantly.

Ottawa Valley District (2)

Tapping is still in progress. Minimal sap flow was noted despite warmer temperatures.

Quinte & District (7)

Small to great sap flows were noted from the 3rd to the 7th. Sab brix ranged from 1.8 – 2.8. Some noticed sap brix decreased as the temperature got warmer. Both Golden and amber syrup was made, with good flavour. One producer noted that the past couple boils have been hard to filter, but others experienced no problems despite higher levels of sugar sand. The difficult-filtering syrup was noted to have a slimy texture, somewhat like ropey. Between 0.2 – 1.25 L/tap has been reported so far, or, between 5-30% of an average years crop. Some producers have lost all their snow, while some still have a decent amount in the bush.

Lanark & District (8)

Most producers experienced small sap flows, although some had moderate flows. Sap brix was between 2 – 2.4. Only one producer has made syrup so far and they made 0.1 L/tap of Amber syrup, representing about 10% of their average crop.

Eastern (9)

Some producers noted only minor flows while others noted some good flows. Sap brix was between 1.8 – 2.2. Both golden and amber syrup was made. Those who have made syrup have only produced about 5% of their average crop so far.

Overview

Producers across much of the province noted at least some sap flowing on the 27th and 28th. Most areas experienced minimal flows, but nearly all producers in Southwestern and some producers in Waterloo-Wellington, Quinte and Simcoe experienced good flows. Both golden and amber syrup was made, generally with good flavour and no processing issues.

Southwestern (4 – number of respondents)

Respondents indicate there was at least one good sap run in the past week, on the 27th – 28th, with sap brix of about 1.6 to 2.1. Both golden and amber syrup was made, with good flavour. One producer observed lots of niter, but syrup was easy to filter. Producers have made 0.4 – 0.6 L per tap so far, representing 20 – 45% of an average crop.

Grey-Bruce & District (6)

Producers noted some small sap flow events. Most producers haven’t boiled yet, but one made about 0.1 L/tap of amber syrup, representing about 4% of their average crop.

Waterloo-Wellington (6)

Most producers are fully tapped now. Some producers noted some good runs, on the 27th – 28th, and others experienced little to no sap flowing. Producers made golden and amber syrup with good flavour from sap with 1.5 to 2.2 brix. Producers have made between 0.17 – 0.5 L/tap representing 10 – 25% of their average crop. One producer noted they had a hard time filtering syrup.

Simcoe & District (8)

Some producers experienced one good flow, but most experienced little sap flow. Those who boiled produced both golden and amber syrup from sap of 2.4-2.6 brix, representing about 5% of their average crop. One of the producers noted a sharp woody taste in their first batch of syrup, which could be metabolism.

Algoma (4)

All respondents were fully tapped, but sap isn’t flowing yet.

Algonquin & District (9)

Large producers (8,000 +) have all or nearly all their taps in, but have reported no significant sap flows. producers between 1,000 to 2,000 taps are still tapping. Most producers under 1,000 taps are likely to start tapping this week.

Haliburton-Kawartha (7)

Not all respondents are fully tapped yet. A minor sap run was noted and one producer made good flavoured amber syrup from 2 brix sap, totaling 0.1 L/tap so far.

Ottawa Valley District (2)

Tapping is still in progress. Minimal sap flow was noted, not enough to flush the lines.

Quinte & District (6)

Most respondents are fully tapped. Some producers noted only small flows, but others experienced larger flows, particularly on the 27th and 28th. Sap brix was recorded at 1.5 and 2.6. One producer made golden syrup with great flavour and has now made about 0.24 L/tap, about 12% of their average yield. It was noted that a lot of energy is being used to keep buildings warm between sap runs.

Lanark & District (7)

Most producers are fully tapped. Some experienced a small run of 1.8 brix sap on the 28th, but not enough to boil.

Eastern (6)

A couple producers experienced very light sap runs one day, maybe just enough to flush lines.

Overview

Producers in some of the southern regions of the province have gotten some decent flows and have begun to make syrup. Most producers got sap brix of around 2 and made golden syrup, although some made Amber. Syrup generally had good flavour. Producers in colder regions experienced negligible or no sap flow events. Many producers continue to note that deep snow is making things tough out in the bush.

Southwestern (8 – number of respondents)

All respondents had all their taps in. Most producers experienced moderate to great sap flows until the cold returned, with average sap brix ranging from 1.8 to 2.1. Most producers made golden syrup, with a couple making amber. Flavour was generally good. Most producers have made between 10-30% of an average years crop so far, reporting between 0.1 – 0.35 L/tap. One producer reported outstanding yields, 50% of their average crop with 1.5 L/tap, from 3.5 brix sap. One producer noted lots of niter, another noted the first run of sap was cloudy before boiling, and another noted that the first boil flavour was only okay.

Grey-Bruce & District (3)

All respondents had all their taps in. A minor sap flow was noted, just enough to flush the lines for some and enough to boil for one producer. That producer made golden syrup from 1.9 brix sap, about 2.5% of their average crop. Flavour was good.

Waterloo-Wellington (4)

Half of the respondents are fully or nearly fully tapped, and half have not started tapping. Minor to good flows were reported. One producer made amber syrup from 1.8 brix sap, about 5% of their average crop at 0.1 L/tap.

Simcoe & District (8)

Most producers with around 500 or more taps are fully or nearly fully tapped. Mostly minor sap flows were reported. No syrup has been made yet, but one producer who experienced a couple decent runs, with an average sap brix of 2.4, has refrigerated their concentrate.

Algoma (2)

One producer with about 70% of their taps in noted that some sap was flowing with vacuum on, but not without vacuum. The other producers plans to begin tapping soon.

Algonquin & District (12)

Large producers (8,000 +) have all or nearly all their taps in, but have reported no sap flows.

Haliburton-Kawartha (8)

Most respondents have not tapped yet. One producer who tapped experienced a 2-day run and got 1.8 brix sap, but didn’t make syrup yet. Many producers noted deep snow making things difficult.

Ottawa Valley District (3)

One producer is fully tapped and has recorded no sap flows.

Quinte & District (5)

A larger producer (approx 8,000 taps) is fully tapped and made about 5% of their average crop so far from 11000 gallons of 2.5 brix sap. That translates to about 0.1 L/tap so far. Syrup was golden and had excellent flavour.

Lanark & District (8)

Some producers are fully tapped, but the majority are either in the early stages of tapping or have not tapped yet. No flows noted.

Eastern (8)

Most respondents are fully tapped, although some smaller producers haven’t started yet. One producer noted a negligible flow event, but most experienced nothing.

Overview

There were 60 responses to the survey in total. Many, but not all, of the larger producers (>1000 taps) have begun tapping across the province. Many producers noted snow was still very deep and expressed their desire to tap next week after things have thawed a bit. Minor flows were reported in some regions of the province, with no boiling taking place.

Southwestern (4 – number of respondents)

Producers with 2,000-3,000 taps have all or nearly all of their taps in an have noted minor flows. No boiling yet.

Grey-Bruce & District (2)

Respondents with 500 and 5,000 taps have tapped significant portions of their bush.

Waterloo-Wellington (5)

A few of the larger operations have begun tapping, one with 75% of their taps in. No Flows reported.

Simcoe & District (6)

Producers with over 1,000 taps have tapped significant portions of their bush. Some negligible sap flows noted.

Algoma (5)

Some producers with around 3,000 taps have begun tapping.

Algonquin & District (7)

One producer with approximately 8,000 taps has 30% of their taps in.

Haliburton-Kawartha (4)

A large producer with 25,000 taps has almost all of their taps in, and noted there was just enough sap to get the lines wet. One producer under 1,000 taps is planning to start tapping this week.

Ottawa Valley District (5)

Producers with around 3,000 – 4,000 taps have significant portions of their bush tapped.

Quinte & District (5)

One producer with around 8,000 taps and one producer with under 1,000 taps has nearly all their taps in. Minor flows noted.

Lanark & District (7)

A producer with around 7,000 taps has about 90% of their taps in.

Some producers in the 1,000 – 3,000 tap range have begun tapping, while other haven’t

Eastern (9)

All respondents with over 1,000 taps have tapped significant portions of their bush. One producer with under 100 taps has also tapped all their trees. No flows reported.

Overview

There were 39 responses to the survey in total. About half the respondents have less then 1,000 taps, with the other half having between 1,000 – 10,000 taps. The majority of producers have not begun tapping. Many producers noted the deep snow cover in their bush, making operations difficult. Some producers in the Southwestern and Waterloo-Wellington region are thinking of tapping soon, depending on the weather.

Southwestern (2 – number of respondents)

Producers with 2,000-3,000 taps are looking to begin tapping soon, depending on the weather

Grey-Bruce & District (2)

No taps in yet.

Waterloo-Wellington (2)

No taps in yet, but some producers are thinking about tapping next week, depending on the weather.

Simcoe & District (6)

1 producer with between 1,000 – 2,000 taps has 60% of their taps in.

Algoma (3)

No taps in yet.

Algonquin & District (6)

No taps in yet.

Haliburton-Kawartha (4)

None of the respondents have tapped yet.

Ottawa Valley District (2)

A producer with around 4,000 taps has begun tapping.

Quinte & District (3)

A producer with around 8,000 taps has 75% of their taps in.

Lanark & District (5)

A producer with around 7,000 taps has about 50% of their taps in

Some producers in the 1,000 – 3,000 tap range have begun tapping, while other haven’t

Eastern (3)

All respondents had between 1,000 to 3,000 taps. One producer has 100% of their taps in, while the others haven’t tapped yet. The producer with all their taps in noted they were comfortable tapping early because of measures taken to prevent sap backflow into tapholes.

Overview

Sap flow has been sporadic in most regions over the past week as warmer weather moved in and many producers have noted that they are 2-3 weeks ahead of their typical season. There have also been quite a few comments on a significant drop in Brix levels from the previous week, which is not uncommon to occur in warmer weather conditions.

Thank you again for all your responses to the survey! And best of luck in the rest of the season! It’s been great working with all of you 🙂

Southwestern (3 – number of responses)

Producers continue to pull their taps in this region, but a few have continued to make syrup (amber and dark) this past week. The average sap Brix ranged from 1.3-2.0. 90-100% of an average year’s crop has been made by these survey respondents.

Grey-Bruce and District (5)

One of the survey respondents have already pulled their taps while the others are still producing syrup with slow to moderate sap flow. Average sap Brix ranged from 1.4-2.3 and golden to dark syrup has been made. 40-110% of an average year’s crop has been produced by these survey respondents.

Waterloo-Wellington (6)

There are mixed reports from survey respondents in this region. Some have experienced strong sap flow over the past week, others haven’t had any flow, and some have pulled their taps. Average sap Brix ranged from 1.4-2.5 and amber to dark syrup has been made. 50-100% of an average year’s crop has been made.

Simcoe and District (5)

Sap flow has been slow over the past week for these survey respondents. Average sap Brix ranged from 1.6-2.1 and amber to very dark syrup was made. 10-85% of an average year’s crop has been made. Some respondents noted high sugar sand levels while filtering.

Algoma (3)

Good strong sap flow has been reported by these survey respondents with an average sap Brix range of 0.8-2.4. Amber syrup has been produced and 20-66% of an average year’s crop. One producer noted a drop in sugar content over the past week after a big run (1.2 down to 0.6).

Algonquin District (10)

Sap flow ranged from slow to very good over the past week with an average sap Brix of 1.7-3.0. Golden to dark amber syrup has been made and 10-85% of an average year’s crop. A few of these producers noted high amounts of sugar sand over the past week.

Haliburton-Kawartha (9)

Sap flow ranged from slow to good over the past week, although sporadic. Average sap Brix ranged from 1.0-3 and amber to dark syrup has been produced. 15-70% of an average year’s crop has been made.

Ottawa Valley District (5)

Sap flow has been sporadic in this region and ranged from slow to good. Average sap Brix ranged from 2-3 and golden to dark syrup was produced. A few producers have noted some filtration issues. 10-40% of an average year’s crop has been made.  

Quinte and District (2)

Sap flow ranged from poor to excellent for these survey respondents. Average sap Brix levels ranged from 1.3-2, one producer noted a drop of 1.2 Brix from the previous week. Amber to very dark syrup has been produced and 25-75% of an average year’s crop.

Lanark and District (9)

Sap flow, although sporadic, ranged from poor to very good for these survey respondents. The average sap Brix ranged from 1.4-2.7. Amber to dark syrup was produced and 29-63% of an average year’s crop.

Eastern (6)

Similar to the Lanark area, sap flow has been moderate and sporadic. The average sap Brix ranged from 1.9-2.5. Amber and dark syrup was produced and 20-55% of an average year’s crop. A few producers noted some filtration issues this past week as well.

Hi everyone! I hope you had a great weekend.

Please fill out the Sap Flow Survey by noon on Wednesday if you would like to contribute to this week’s report.

You can also text, call or email me at:

sophie.krolikowski@ontario.ca

226-962-6710