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First Syrup Made

by Peter 3/31/2014 5:56:00 AM

We made our first syrup of the season yesterday.  Our first boil was on Thursday, March 27th.  We didn't get any finished syrup during the first boil because it takes quite a bit of sap to establish the concentration gradient in the pan.  We collected about 1100 gallons of sap on Friday and Saturday, allowing us to boil on Sunday afternoon.  After about an hour of boiling we had our first draw off.  It was a huge draw off of nearly 20 gallons of delicious dark amber syrup.  We finished the day with 44 gallons of syrup.  We bottled up most of the syrup into a variety of different size containers. 

It is impossible to predict how good the season is going to be.  There are so many variables: the duration of the freeze/thaw cycle, the soil moisture level, precipitation during the season, and frost in the ground.  The initial sap flows have been encouraging and the 10 day weather forecast is promising.  We are crossing our fingers for a successful season!

Optimistic About Sap Flow

by Peter 3/26/2014 4:49:00 AM

The sap ran for the first time last week on Thursday and Friday and we are optimistic that we might have a decent season.  The weather wasn't perfect for sap flow; Friday was overcast and windy, but we still collected about half of a gallon per tap.  We are hoping that this means that the trees have plenty of access to moisture in the soil, allowing for strong early flows.  The past two seasons have been very dry in the fall, giving us weak early season runs.  

The weather forecast for the next 10 days looks promising.  We are hoping to have our first syrup real soon!

2014 Season Preparations Are Complete!

by Don 3/16/2014 3:19:00 PM

  Having weathered one of the snowiest and coldest winters, team Somerskogen has prevailed!  Portions of the sugarbush had thigh high snow, that even snowshoes could not keep us afloat! Three days were required to place 1000 taps.  A slow thaw is hoped for so the moisture can remain in the forest and not run into the lake.

   We are optimistic that this season has the potential to be one of our best   . .  . and so we wait.  Check back for further updates!