ONmaplesyrup

Overview

Most regions seemed to have good sap flow last week, including the colder regions of Algonquin and the Ottawa Valley. A couple of respondents are beginning to see off-flavours appear, but the majority are still producing syrup with good flavour. While some are wrapping up in the warmer regions of the province, many in the colder regions are looking forward to (hopefully) another few weeks of good production weather.

Southwestern (4 – number of respondents)

Most respondents were done boiling by the end of march. The one producer who was still collecting sap had mediocre sap flow this week. Dark syrup was made with good flavour. Sap brix was around 1.8. Total production ranged from 1.5 – 2.4 L/tap. Interestingly, at the end of their season, one producer noticed sap itself going ropey before reaching the evaporator.

Grey-Bruce & District (5)

3/5 respondents have now stopped boiling. One producer noted there was good sap flow on Good Friday, but not much since. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 2.4. Golden, amber and dark syrup were all made with good flavour. A couple producers have had trouble filtering their last few batches due to high levels of niter. Respondents have made between 0.75 – 1.7 L/tap, representing 75 – 100% of their average crop. One producer noted they started hearing the frogs calling.

Waterloo-Wellington (3)

Sap flow last week seemed to have a good start, then slowed down. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 1.9. Both amber and dark syrup were made. Syrup flavour was generally strong, with one producer noting that their flavour was beginning to decline. A couple respondents noted lots of niter, but only one had trouble filtering. Respondents have made between 1.3 – 1.85 L/tap so far, representing 105 – 130% of their average yield.

Simcoe & District (6)

Sap flow seemed to be good the past week, with many noting at least one day of good flow among some slower days. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.6. Amber, dark and very dark syrup were made with good flavour. Most respondents had no issues with niter or filtering, but one noted it was very tough to filter earlier in the week. Respondents have made 0.6 – 2.35 L/tap, representing 75% – 125% of their average crop.

Algoma (3)

Sap flow seemed to be slow last week, but with at least a couple of runs. Sap brix ranged from 2.1 – 2.9. Mostly amber syrup was made, with some golden. All syrup was reported to have good flavour. No issues with filtering were reported. Respondents have made between 6 – 40% of their average crop so far.

Algonquin & District (12)

Most respondents seemed to have good sap flow this week, especially on Saturday and Monday. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.7. Mostly amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. A few respondents noted high amounts of niter, but most had no troubles filtering. Most respondents have made between 0.6 – 1.2 L/tap so far, representing 40 – 80% of their average crop.

Haliburton-Kawartha (5)

Most respondents had great sap flow last week. Mostly amber syrup was produced, with good flavour; however, one respondent’s last batch was buddy. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 2.5. A couple of producers noted there was a lot of niter, but there were no issues filtering. Respondents have made between 1.0 – 2.3 L/tap so far, representing 60 – 135% of their average crop.

Ottawa Valley District (4)

Respondents had great sap flow last week. One producer had 48 hours of continuous sap flow. Sap brix ranged from 2.3 – 3.2. Amber and dark syrup were made with excellent flavour. One respondent had issues filtering with dark, gooey niter. Most producers have made between 0.4 – 0.61 L/tap so far, representing 25 – 50% of their average crop.

Quinte & District (5)

Respondents had good sap flow last week. Sap brix ranged from 1.6 – 2.1. Mostly amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. Most respondents had no problems with niter or filtering. Respondents have made between 1.34 – 2.37 L/tap so far, representing 80 – 117% of their average crop. One producer noted that although they have only collected 93% of their average sap yield so far, they’ve made 115% of their average syrup – a sweet year!

Lanark & District (6)

Respondents had amazing flows last week. Sap brix ranged from 1.9 – 3.0. Amber syrup was made earlier in the week then transitioned to dark. Syrup had great flavour. Most respondents had no issues filtering, although one noted that the amount of niter increased as the week progressed. One producer noted that it has been one of their easiest years for filtering. Respondents have made between 0.7L – 2.3 L/tap so far, representing 100 – 150% of their average crop.

Eastern (6)

Respondents had good sap flow last week, with at least a couple days of great flow and some days with average flow. Sap brix ranged from 2.2 – 2.8. Most respondents made amber or dark syrup, but one made mostly golden syrup. Syrup mostly had good flavour, although one producer noted that natural off flavours are starting to creep in. Most respondents had no problems filtering, although one noted it was getting a bit more difficult. Respondents have made between 0.4 – 1.78 L/tap so far, representing 82 – 100% of their average crop. One producer noted that the buds on their soft maple are starting to come out.

Good morning, everyone!

For those who participated, I hope you had a great Maple Weekend!

Whether you’re wrapping up your season or continuing to boil, I look forward to hearing how this week went for you. Here is the link to this week’s survey: Ontario Sap Flow Survey – April 7, 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

Most regions of the province had very good sap flow this week. Many noted strong flows on Wednesday/Thursday and Sunday/Monday. Colder regions mainly reported small runs. Respondents in Southwestern Ontario are wrapping up after having an incredible season. Many respondents in Quinte & District have also surpassed their average yields. No problems with filtering or off-flavours were reported.

Southwestern (5 – number of respondents)

Sap flow seems to be slowing down in this region, but producers still reported some good runs. Mostly dark syrup was produced, with some amber and very dark syrup also made. Flavour was generally reported to be good. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.0. Some respondents noted that filtering syrup was a bit harder this week with lots of niter.

Respondents have produced between 1.35 – 3.7 L/tap, representing 90% -to well over 100% of their average crop. Most respondents produced just over 2 L/tap. A producer with both hard and soft maple noted that their soft maples have begun to bud out. This producer got about 1.5L/tap from their soft maples, while getting 3.7L/tap from their hard maples. Most respondents have ended their season, with some waiting a little longer.

Grey-Bruce & District (9)

A few respondents had poor sap flow, but the majority had a good week, especially on Wednesday and Thursday. Both golden and amber syrup were produced with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.5. Most respondents didn’t have any trouble filtering. Respondents have made between 0.25 – 1.3 L/tap so far, representing 25-75% of their average crop.

Waterloo-Wellington (5)

Sap flow seemed to be fairly good over the past week. Both amber and dark syrup were produced with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.0. One respondent had an incredible amount of niter during their last boil and had difficulty filtering. Respondents have made between 0.75 -1.5 L/tap so far, representing 60 – 100% of their average crop. One producer has finished their season and another notes that some trees are beginning to bud out.

Simcoe & District (10)

Most respondents had very strong flows this week. Both amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. Golden, amber and dark syrup were all produced with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 3.0. A few respondents noted there was a lot of niter, which made it difficult to filter, but most had no issues. Respondents have made between 0.4 – 1.8 L/tap so far, representing 40-80% of their average crop.

Algoma (3)

One respondent had fair sap flow, but the others had only small runs this week. Only dark syrup was produced, with good flavour. One producer noted that caramel flavours were strong earlier, but now maple flavour is beginning to dominate. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.5. No issues with filtering were reported. One respondent has not boiled yet, while the others have made about 20-25% of their average crop so far, with up to 0.25 L/tap being reported.

Algonquin & District (8)

For most respondents, sap flow started to pick up again early this week after a long cold stretch. Both amber and dark syrup were produced with good flavour. One producer found filtering moderately difficult, and another noted a lot of filter aid was required this week. Sap brix ranged from 2.1 – 2.5. Respondents have made between 0-25% of their average crop so far.

Haliburton-Kawartha (5)

Most respondents had some good runs this week. Mostly amber syrup was produced, with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.8. A couple of producers noted there was a lot of niter, but most had no issues filtering. Respondents have made between 0.5 – 1 L/tap so far, representing 50 – 95% of their average crop. A couple of producers have noted that there is still a lot of snow in their bush.

Ottawa Valley District (2)

Sap only just began to flow for one respondent, while the other had a couple of runs this week. Only one of the respondents made syrup. Golden syrup was made, with good flavour, from 3.4 brix sap. This producer had lots of niter and filtering was difficult. The producer made 7% of their average crop so far.

Quinte & District (8)

Most respondents had great sap flow again this week. Golden, amber, and dark syrup were all made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 2.5. Most respondents didn’t have any trouble filtering, although a couple of producers noted that niter was get heavier and one had some minor issues one day. Most respondents have made between 1.15 – 2.04 L/tap, representing about 100 – 130% of their average crop. A couple of smaller producers have decided to end their season.

Lanark & District (5)

Most respondents had decent sap flow this week. Mostly amber syrup was produced, with good flavour. A couple of producers noted some butterscotch notes coming through. Sap brix ranged from 1.9 – 3.0. No issues with filtering were reported. Most respondents made between 0.5 – 0.98 L/tap so far, with one producer making 2.3L/tap, representing 62-85% of their average crop. One producer notes that they’ve had to thaw their lines and tanks numerous times before boiling this year.

Eastern (5)

A couple of respondents had only slow to average flows, while others had some heavy flows. Golden, amber, and dark syrup were all made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.1 – 3.0. Respondents didn’t have any problems filtering, although one had a lot of niter. Respondents have made between 0.5 – 1 L/tap so far, representing 40 – 75% of their average crop. One producer noted that the flower buds of their silver maple are beginning to swell.

Good morning, everyone!

I hope everyone had a great week! I look forward to hearing how it went . Here is the link to this week’s survey: Ontario Sap Flow Survey – March 30, 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

The warmest regions of the province, such as Southwestern and Quinte, seemed to have pretty good sap flow this week while the coldest regions of the province, such as Algoma, Algonquin and Ottawa Valley, had little to no sap flow. Regions in between tended to have moderate sap runs. Most regions, except for Southwestern, had no problems filtering syrup and no off flavours were reported. It is great to see a couple producers in Southwestern Ontario breaking their production records.

Southwestern (4 – number of respondents)

Respondents recorded good sap flow again this week. One producer noted flow was very good at the beginning of the week, but slowed down towards the end. Both amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.6 – 2.0. Most respondents noted filtering syrup was a bit harder this week with lots of sugar sand. One producer noted syrup was easier to filter after a big run on Sunday. Respondents have produced between 1.85 – 2.3 L/tap so far, representing 100 – 140% of their average crop. It has been a record-breaking season for some producers.

Grey-Bruce & District (7)

Sap flow seemed to be moderate this week, with some respondents experiencing heavier flows on the weekend. Golden, amber, and dark syrup were all made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.3. Most respondents didn’t have any trouble filtering. Respondents have made between 0.1 – 0.8 L/tap so far, representing 10-42% of their average crop.

Waterloo-Wellington (6)

Sap flow seemed to be fairly good the past week. Mostly amber syrup was made, with only some golden and dark syrup. All syrups were reported to have good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 3.0. No respondents had trouble filtering. Respondents have made between 0.4-1.2 L/tap so far, representing 30-65% of their average crop.

Simcoe & District (7)

A couple producers found sap flow to be slow, but some others had a few good days this past week. Both amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 3.2. A few respondents noted there was a lot of niter, which made it difficult to filter for some. Respondents have made between 20-60% of their average crop so far, with some making up to 1.2 L/tap.

Algoma (2)

Respondents noted very little sap flow this past week. Sap brix was about 2. Respondents didn’t make syrup this week.

Algonquin & District (13)

Sap flow was minimal for most respondents, although one producer had a couple good runs. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 2.1. For those who boiled, only dark syrup was made. Syrup had good flavour. Respondents have made between 5-30% of their average crop so far.

Haliburton-Kawartha (4)

Respondents experienced moderate flows at best this week. Gold, amber and dark syrup were all made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2 – 2.3. A couple producers noted there was a lot of niter. Respondents have made between 0.3 – 1.1 L/tap so far, representing 25-65% of their average crop.

Ottawa Valley District (2)

Once again, respondents experienced minimal sap flow and did not make syrup.

Quinte & District (7)

Most respondents experienced great sap flow this week. Mostly amber syrup was made, along with some golden and dark syrup. All syrups were reported to have good flavour. Most respondents didn’t have any trouble filtering, although one producer had trouble during one of the runs. Respondents have made between 10-95% of their average crop so far, with some making up to 1.72 L/tap.

Lanark & District (5)

Sap flow was intermittent for most respondents this past week. Amber syrup was made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.5 – 3.1. No issues with filtering were reported. Most respondents made between 0.13 – 0.4 L/tap so far, representing 20-40% of their average crop.

Eastern (4)

After the major sap run on the 16th, most respondents only had a couple of small runs. Both amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2 – 2.6. Most producers didn’t have any problems filtering, although one struggled a bit. Respondents have made between 0.25 – 0.55 L/tap so far, representing 24 – 40% of their average crop.

Good morning, everyone!

I hope everyone had a great week! I look forward to hearing how it went . Here is the link to this week’s survey: Ontario Sap Flow Survey – March 23, 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 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.

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.