Overview
Most respondents have ended their season, except for those in Algoma, Algonquin and the Ottawa Valley. It has been a great year for many respondents in the south, with more than a few breaking their production records. I look forward to seeing how the next week goes for producers in the north.
Southwestern (1 – number of respondents)
The one respondent for this region has now finished their season, but was boiling last week. They made dark syrup from sap with a brix of 2.0. Both buddy syrup and Grade A syrup were made. The producer ended their season because filtering became impossible. They ended their season at 2.58 L/tap, which is about 100% of their average crop.
Grey-Bruce & District (5)
Most respondents finished their season over the weekend. Last week, sap brix ranged from 1.8-2.0. Both amber and dark syrup were made. Most respondents made Grade A syrup with strong flavour, but at least one had buddy off-flavours. Most respondents had lots of niter and difficulty filtering. Respondents made between 1.9-2.27 L/tap, representing 90-110% of their average crop. One producer noted that sap was going bad very quickly last week.
Waterloo-Wellington (3)
All respondents have ended their season. Sap flow was slow last week leading up to their last boil. Sap brix ranged from 1.7-1.8. Dark syrup was made, some exhibiting off-flavours. Syrup was difficult to filter. Respondents made 1.4-2.0 L/tap, representing 110-140% of their average crop. One producer noted that this has been their worst year for animals chewing their tubing in 23 years.
Simcoe & District (5)
It looks like sap flow was generally slow last week, leading most respondents to stop production. Sap brix ranged from 1.5-2.0 brix. Amber, dark, and very dark syrup were all made. No off-flavours were reported. The majority of respondents did not have trouble with niter or filtering. Respondents made between 0.65-2.65 L/tap, representing 105-140% of their average crop.
Algoma (3)
Sap flow seemed to be fair during the last half of the week. Sap brix ranged from 2.0-2.2. Amber syrup was made with good flavour. There were no problems filtering despite lots of niter for some. Respondents have made 60-65% of their average crop so far.
Algonquin & District (9)
Sap flow was great for most respondents last week. Sap brix ranged from 2.0-2.5. Mostly amber or dark syrup was made, with some golden. Flavour was generally good, although perhaps a bit more sweet than mapley for some. Most respondents didn’t have trouble filtering or problems with niter. Respondents have made between 0.5-1.4 L/tap, representing 75-100% of their average crop. One producer noted that their silver and red maples are about to bud.
Haliburton-Kawartha (8)
Most respondents have just wrapped up their season. Sap brix ranged from 1.4-2.5 last week. Mostly dark syrup was made, with some amber and very dark. Most respondents had good flavour, but one noted the flavour was poor and only commercial grade. No respondents had trouble filtering, although a couple had lots of niter. Respondents made between 0.5-2.6 L/tap, representing 80-140% of their average crop. It has been a record year for at least one producer. Poor sap quality and a forecasted warm spell are expected to end the season for some.
Ottawa Valley District (3)
Respondents had great sap flow last week. Sap brix ranged from 2.3-2.4. Amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. All respondents are reporting lots of niter, making it a bit more difficult to filter. Respondents have made 0.7-1.13 L/tap so far, representing 75-90% of their average crop.
Quinte & District (6)
Most respondents have just finished their season, although one producer noted sap flow was steady last week. Sap brix ranged from 1.5-2.0. Amber and dark syrup were made with good, but in some cases stronger, flavour. Most producers had no problems with niter or filtering. Respondents have made 0.5-2.47 L/tap, representing 100-135% of their average crop. It is officially a record year for some producers, even going as far back as 1924.
Lanark & District (5)
Most respondents have just finished for the season, but note some decent sap flow last week. Sap brix ranged from 1.5-3.2. Amber, dark and very dark syrup were made with good flavour. One producer noted the flavour was getting very strong by Sunday and Monday. Most had no problems filtering despite lots of niter. Respondents made between 0.95-1.87 L/tap, representing 100-180% of their average crop.
Eastern (5)
All respondents have now finished their season. Sap was flowing up until Sunday for some, but it was beginning to spoil with the warm temperatures. Last week, sap brix ranged from 1.5-2.5. Amber, dark and very dark syrup were made, all with good flavour. A few producers noted tremendous amounts of niter, which made filtering difficult for some. Respondents made between 0.6-2 L/tap, representing 105-120% of their average crop. It was a record year for some producers.