Overview
Tapped, but how’s the flow?
“Early, but strong” seems to be a reoccurring comment that I’ve heard from producers in regions that are already making syrup.
Overall, most regions have been tapped since last week with more jumping on the bandwagon this week. With unseasonably warm weather over the weekend, the early and good sap flows that producers experienced last week has slowed and, in some cases, stopped all together. Similarly, the colder weather we’re having right now has slowed production in a few regions. Overall, there have been minimal clarity or filtration issues, but some producers noted higher than average sugar sand levels. Golden to amber syrup is being made.
As always, big thanks to those that completed the survey! I’ve heard from a few people this week that they love reading the survey results and hearing about what’s going on in the province 🙂
Southwestern (6 – number of responses)
Sap has been flowing well (0.25-0.65 L/tap) up until the unseasonably warm weather this past weekend. Average sap Brix has been 2.0-2.1 with minimal filtration or clarity issues in most cases. Others have experienced high levels of sugar sand compared to previous years. 10-40% of an average year’s crop has been made by survey respondents.
Grey-Bruce and District (9)
All respondents are tapped and boiling with good sap flow (0.25-0.5 L/tap). Sap Brix between 2.1-2.4, which has been described as higher than usual for these producers. There have also been reports of high amounts of sugar sand. Producers have made 5-30% of an average year’s crop.
Waterloo-Wellington (2)
Both respondents this week are tapped and making amber syrup. No filtration issues and about 35% of an average year’s crop. 0.55 L/tap on average. No clarity or filtration issues.
Simcoe and District (8)
The majority are fully tapped, and a few are boiling syrup. Sap Brix 1.8-2.0. Some producers have minimal filtration issues, while others are having difficulties filtering the high sugar sand content. Those that have been boiling have already made 20-40% of an average year’s crop.
Algoma and District (5)
Some have finished tapping, others are still waiting a few weeks. 2.0 average sap Brix. No clarity or filtration issues. 10% of average year’s crop.
Algonquin and District (7)
A mix of tapped and untapped. A few have boiled over the last week, but flows have stopped with the colder weather that has rolled in.
Haliburton-Kawartha (12)
A mix of tapped and untapped. Sap has been running well (0.9-0.11 L/tap) but has slowed down for some producers due to the colder temperatures this week. Sap Brix 1.5-3.0. More sugar sand than usual being reported but overall minimal filtration and clarity issues. 5-30% of an average year’s crop has been made.
Ottawa Valley (5)
A few have tapped but no syrup has been made by survey respondents.
Quinte and District (4)
A few have tapped and experienced a heavy flow of sap over the weekend. A few producers have boiled golden to amber syrup.
Lanark and District (4)
A few have tapped or are well on their way. Others holding out for a week or two. Those that have tapped have had a very limited flow. None of the respondents have boiled yet.
Eastern (3)
Many producers are tapped and a few have started boiling. Reported Brix was 2.0 with moderate sap flow. 10% of an average year’s crop has been made by a respondent in the area.