The season finally started with sluggish sap flows on March 15th. As the cold weather returned, the minimum sap required to begin boiling was not achieved until March 25! We are over 150 gal. behind last years production but anticipate the 2 feet of snow to melt in the woods and sap flows to increase.

We made 60 gallons of flavorful Amber Rich syrup over the weekend. The occasional mechanical issue witch are to be expected each year were solved with the help of Peter and grandson Jack.

This winter we traversed the sugarbush in snowshoes to manage 17” of accumulated snow. We took one pass through to clip off the old plastic spiles and replace them with new. We waited until February 17 to start tapping . The weather was very pleasant and a rare south facing tap would show signs of sap . Very little has happened since. Occasionally a day in the mid or upper 30s would generate some weeping sap flow but not enough collect. We remain patient and prepared.

  The International Maple Syrup Conference was held in La Crosse WI last week. Our maple syrup submissions were awarded Blue Ribbons but not judged in the top 3. This photo however, was awarded First Place in the photo contest.