Sap Flow Overview

Producers across southern Ontario are getting ready for this Sunday, which promises the first major sapflow weather of the season. The warm spell will extend as far north as the north shore of Lake Huron, but if daytime highs are far below freezing in the days leading up to Sunday, trees will likely still be frozen.

Southwestern Ontario

The last few producers are finishing tapping this week in anticipation of next week’s sugar weather. Of those who are already tapped in and had lines flushed, boils this week produced maple syrup ranging from golden to amber, with good flavour and no filtration issues. Producers who started early have made up to 15% of an average year’s crop, but many will be getting their first runs next week.

Waterloo-Wellington

Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of Waterloo-Wellington local producers have completed tapping and are fixing leaks in preparation for Sunday. Some producers have reported more animal damage to tubing than normal. Next week looks to be good sugaring weather.

Gray-Bruce and Simcoe

Larger producers have mostly completed tapping and some have had their first boil. Sap Brix is around 1.8 and syrup is dark with no filtration issues. Some areas have very cold nights coming up between now and Sunday, and it is uncertain how many trees will have thawed out enough to run.

What’s happening in your bush?

This blog will be updated weekly throughout the season. Are you interested in providing quick updates to me? You can fill out this quick and easy 7-question survey. You can also text, call, or email me with updates at:

Mobile: 519 835 5872

Email: jenny.liu2@ontario.ca

Free Counselling for Farmers (Farmer Wellness Initiative)

Through the Farmer Wellness Initiative, farmers across Ontario and members of their household will have access to up to four free counselling sessions with a mental health professional. The mental health professionals have received training to understand the unique needs of Ontario farmers. Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in English and French, farmers can call 1-866-267-6255 to speak to a counsellor. This service is provided by LifeWorks.

Eligible participants include:

• Ontario-based farmers
• Ontario-based members of farming households (spouses/domestic partners, children, dependents). This includes family members involved in the operation of the farm. 

By calling 1-866-267-6255, you will enter an intake process to arrange counselling sessions with a mental health professional available by phone, virtually, or in-person subject to public health restrictions.

All information received through counselling sessions is confidential and in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (2004).

This project is provided with funding by the governments of Canada and Ontario, including support from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

If you are an Ontario farmer and looking for support, please call today: 1-866-267-6255.