Maple Syrup

[johnnyd]

The Associated Press reported today that Maple Syrup annual production in the USA jumped 22% overall with a few high-producing states getting record-high numbers.

National Agricultural Statistics Service Report

The season started off cold and then warmed up quickly. This meant a very short season for all the States. However, producers in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine experienced more consistent and steadier sap flows with Maine hitting an all time high production level and Vermont reaching it’s highest since 1944.

In most States, the season started later than last year. The earliest sap flow reported was January 15 in Pennsylvania. The latest sap flow reported was May 1 in New Hampshire. Sugar content of the sap for 2009 was down from the previous year. On average, approximately 43 gallons of sap were required to produce one gallon of syrup. This compares with 39 gallons in 2008 and 45 gallons in 2007. The majority of the syrup produced in each State this year was medium to dark in color with the exception of Maine.

The 2008 U.S. average price per gallon was $40.50, up $7.70 from the 2007 price of $32.80. The U.S. value of production, at $77.5 million for 2008, was up 55 percent from the previous season. This is the result of an increase in price and production from 2007. Value of production increased in all 10 maple syrup estimating States.

Edited June 12, 2009 by johnnyd (log)