The Sugaring Season
The weather
Short and long term weather forecasts are one of a syrup producer’s best tools to help them prepare for a sap run. Cold nights below freezing with daytime temps above freezing will always get that sap moving.
In addition, a falling barometric pressure that accompanies an approaching storm will also increase the local sap run.
Current Conditions
Overview
These are strictly observations on what’s happening in our area and generalizations on what we THINK will happen. Please note that every area is different and should, therefore, be tapped accordingly.
2022 Season Summary
Saturday, April 16th
This was Saturday afternoon (this is regular speed not fast forward). It ran like crazy. I believe the Sunday afternoon was similar. Keep it coming. This is turning out to be a very nice season.
Friday April 15th
Here we are the week of Easter and we have frozen up with snow on the ground again I know all the neighbors think we are crazy, but this is great weather. The picture attached shows one of our Sap Saks with a drip frozen mid-drip which is what we see everywhere right now. The good news is that when it thaws out, this weekend we should have another great run. Most everyone in our area says after one more good run they should have an average crop. With the way that the weather looks for the next week, there is a lot of confidence that the season will end with above-average production. Happy Easter Everyone!
Friday, April 8th
This past weekend was the best run this area has seen this season and the over cast weather and cooler temperatures have made for some really nice quality syrup. There is always the question about if the weather man is correct or not, but if he is, it looks like tomorrow should be another big day and that will probably carry over into Sunday and Monday. Then it looks warmer, but another cool down is in the forecast for the end of next week. Fingers Crossed. With 50 to 70% of a crop we could use a couple more weeks. Happy Sapping Everyone!
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
The season continues to have a slow start, but a little snow this morning sure doesn’t hurt. The forecast is looking good for the next 10 days. So hopefully that holds. This unstable/changing weather is what we want/need. Happy Sapping!
March 18th 2022
Well, after a hopeful post last week, still not much has happened, but as with most things, I am wrong at least 50% of the time. It does look like things will finally break loose this weekend. By now everyone should be ready. Pray for bad weather and a lot of sap!
March 14th, 2022
The trees are ready and the weather is right. I would guess that some areas had a little run yesterday, the forecast looks good and I would guess things should let loose by the weekend. If you are not ready, now is the time. Make sure you give your trees a little squeeze to help them get started 😊
March 4th 2022
The long awaited sap/syruping season looks to be upon us. Time to make sure your last minute preparations are done and ready to go. I know rain and snow in the forecast don’t sound like fun, but with a chance a little thunderstorm Sunday evening should wake up the trees and get them started. Next week’s weather will determine the flow, but I think this weekend should signify the start of our beloved season. Good luck everyone!
February 28th, 2022
It is that time of year again and while it seems later than the last several years I think this we are looking at a more “normal” tapping season for 2022. Most have begin tapping and many are already done and just waiting for the first run. Good luck to everyone and keep your fingers crossed for a great season.
2021 Season Summary
March 29th 2021
We made it through the warm weather of last week and are back to making good syrup again. It still looks like it will be a short year in this area, but one good week could change that. If I had to guess this might be our last week of production. I know some areas south and north of us are not doing as well and some are doing better. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for more good weather.
March 19th 2021
It has been a very busy week for most syrup producers. Sap has been running steady and most producers are a little short on sleep. So if you see a syrup producer cut them some slack this week. The warm weather coming this weekend has some of us concerned, but it will give producers a nice reprieve and chance to get caught up until the next run which looks like it will be the middle of next week. I know it sounds bad, but pray for cold and miserable weather 😊 Picture attached is syrup boiling and almost ready to draw off.
March 15th 2021
The Maple Season is well underway. It was also the official start of the Maple Season in Wisconsin. The annual First Tree Tapping was this weekend in eastern Wisconsin and Alison in Dairyland was on hand to read Governor Evers proclamation.
The central part of the maple belt in Wisconsin had a nice run over the weekend and what I am hearing from most producers in that region, which we are also a part of, is they are close to a 1/3 of a crop so far. The snow we received yesterday should only help to prolong, what is shaping up to be a good season. It is a great time to be in the woods, the crisp air and sounds of sap running in the woods.
March 2 2021
It is that time of year again. Everyone is out in the woods tapping trees and the snow is melting. Sap has been flowing on the warm days, no big runs yet, but the forecast looks promising. So if you are looking to make some syrup this year, it is time to get out there and tap your trees. The season is upon us. Good Luck Everyone!
Thanks for reading my ramblings this season and don’t forget to use more maple syrup while you shelter in place.
Try some in your next glass of milk! A bedtime favorite at the Anderson household.
