The Official U.S. Maple Syrup Almanac -- 2017 Alamanc_2017 | Page 32

NEW YORK STATE MAPLE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 301 Myron Road, Syracuse, NY 13219 , [phone], [email protected], www.nysmaple.com SUMMARY OF SEASON T he usual crystal ball approach for reporting maple crop success is no less demanding for this current sea- son than it has been in past. New York State, by most accounts, projects an- other record or near record crop. Last year (2016) we reported not only an excellent production, but the earliest tapping season and earliest “first boil” records. Those records were broken this year across most of the State. Syrup was made in January in all but the highest elevation bushes in the Adirondacks, and major quantities of annual pro- duction were widely reported as hav- ing been made in February elsewhere, which on average is about two to three weeks early for the State. Very little snow pack and near record February warmth negatively impacted the early, OFFICERS low elevation and south facing sugar bushes. Nearly every producer contact- ed regarding the season indicated that vacuum systems at all levels, especial- ly higher elevation, and being tapped early (mid-January) allowed them to produce a decent crop. The reports con- cerning grade quality indicate that the majority of table grade syrup would be in the amber/dark range, perhaps due in large part to warm temperatures. In all but the north country, seasons ended by mid-April. Retail consumer demand remains high and continues to increase, supplies of value added prod- uct are abundant and there appears to be a substantial supply of bulk syrup in the field. Helen Thomas, Executive Director Tony Van Glad President Stamford, NY [email protected] Greg Zimpfer Vice President Attica, NY [email protected] Karl Wiles Treasurer Syracuse, NY [email protected] Chantell Hotaling Secretary Jordan, NY [email protected] Helen Thomas Executive Director Attica [email protected] 315-877-5795 EVENTS 2018 Maple Weekend When: March 17-18, 24-25 2018 Where: Statewide Info: mapleweekend@nysmaple. com, mapleweekend.com New York State Fair When: Aug. 23-Sept. 4, 2017 Where: New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse Info: [email protected], NYSmaple.com CLIFFORD NIGHTINGALE outside his showplace sugarhouse in Amsterdam, N.Y. on March 9. 32 Winter Conference When: January 5-6. 2018 Where: Vernon Verona High School, Vernon NY Info: [email protected] U.S. Maple Syrup Almanac 2017