SUGARING
Northeast Maple Business

by Larry Myott
The Maple Season Begins!

January and February mark the beginning of the first harvest of the new year, the official opening of the new sugaring year. Sugaring begins in areas of Connecticut, Pennsylvania and other states that can get the right weather conditions often in late January or early February. Up in New England, northern New York and Maine, they are thinking about it. Groundhog Day is a signal that there is only six more weeks of winter. The days are getting longer and the sun actually brings warmth—that means sugaring is on the way.

Former University of Vermont Maple Specialist and IMSI Executive Secretary Larry Myott of Vermont was surprised with the presentation of the Lynn Reynolds International Maple Leadership Award at the international convention last October. The plaque reads, “For outstanding contributions to the International Maple Syrup Industry throughout personal involvement and commitment.” The award was presented by International Maple Syrup Institute Vice President Gary Gaudette of Leader Evaporator Co.

This year, when February arrives, producers are looking forward to some snow melt and perhaps some easier traveling in the woods. With the early start to winter, many in northern New England and across the Canadian maple belt are looking forward to a spring thaw—for more than one reason.

Yes, they want to see the snow level drop, but more importantly, they want to see the crop of maple syrup come. Prices are up considerably, and the demand has grown rapidly on a worldwide scale. The large surplus that was once held in Quebec has disappeared. With the increase in the worldwide demand, there is a chance to increase production, keep the prices stable and improve the financial conditions of sugar makers and packers.

Previously reported was the fact that supplies have dwindled and there is an opportunity to increase the number of taps and make a profit. Suppliers have reported that the sales of tubing and spouts and connectors are brisk. Installers are reporting that they are behind in installations due to snow conditions.

January was the big month for maple schools, from the largest in New York to Vermont’s three schools to each of the others around the maple region. They were well-attended, and provided lots of valuable information, including lectures, demonstrations and the latest equipment.

Supplies for 2008

If you aren’t ready, you’d better speed up. For quality control purposes, make sure you have an accurate grading kit to use in the sugarhouse. The Vermont Temporary Maple Syrup Grading Kit is available from maple dealers all over, but remember that it is just what it says-a temporary kit. If you have had yours for more than a year and you have not had it checked for color accuracy, then you’d better get a new one. They are inexpensive, less than $20 from dealers, or you can order direct from the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association. Call, write or e-mail the secretary of the Vermont Maple Sugar Maker’s Association, Mary Croft, at 491 East Barnard Road, So. Royalton, VT 05068, 802-763-7435 or mcmaple@sover.net .

Some of the nearly 200 sugar makers that attended the international meetings last October. Producers, packers and equipment manufacturers attended to learn the latest information, research and technology in the world of maple. Attendees came from at least a dozen states and provinces. They participated in a large business trade show, attended many seminars and scientific presentations, as well as numerous social functions. The 2008 international sessions will be held at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, October 24-27. For more information, contact the Mass. Maple Association at tom@southfacefarm.com

Maple syrup for the 2008 fairs

Reports from the 2007 fairs were that most fairs had record-breaking sales in 2007. That means that sugar makers who operate at local fairs will be buying more syrup in 2008. Plus, the price is higher than at any other time in maple history.

Eastern States Exposition sugarhouses (Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire) reported excellent sales last fall. Vermont’s sugar house reported sales of $133,600 for the 17-day fair. Profits were up and the VMSMA was happy to enhance their budget. At the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Jct., Vt., Treasurer John Cushing reported total gross sales of $114,000 in their 10-day fair, up about 9 percent.

Sugarhill Containers of Turners Falls, Mass., has a contest every year at the IMSI/NAMSC International Conventions. Company Founder Dick Haas, left, presented Ruby Kimball of Wattsburg, Pa., with $300 in cash for her correct entry in the contest. Contest Coordinator Russ Davenport of Shelburne, Mass., is seated. The award was presented at the annual banquet.

If you would like to sell some of your 2008 crop to be marketed at local, state or regional fairs, contact the local association managers in advance. To sell syrup to the Vermont Maple Sugar Maker’s Association for the Eastern States Exposition sugarhouse in the Vermont building, contact me by e-mail or telephone (813-779-6195) no later than April 1. Someone will come to your sugarhouse, taste and grade the syrup and hopefully make a deal. It is expected that the price paid by the VMSMA will be 25 cents per pound above the going rate at that time. They pay a premium on all syrup purchased, but the syrup must be of superior quality and in the top half of the grade charts for both flavor and color. The VMSMA buyers will only purchase syrup in stainless steel drums, size 30 or 40 gallons. The drums must be delivered to their central warehouse on a certain date.

Ohio State Extension Maple Specialist Dr. Randy Heiligman was a presenter, organizer, master of ceremonies and more during the 2007 international maple meetings. Heiligman and other planning committee members worked for many months to develop and carry out the annual meeting. The North American Maple Syrup Council and the International Maple Syrup Institute are studying ways to make the event more attractive to more sugar makers by reducing the costs of participation. Although the events have traditionally been well-attended, those who attend are very positive in their evaluations and would like to attract more sugar makers to participate. There is a joint committee of both organizations working on the programs for future years.

Maple Festival season begins

The first of the Maple Festivals for 2008 comes in early March and many hundred miles apart. The 22nd annual Warkworth, Ont., Canada Maple Syrup Festival will be held on March 8-9. Visit www.ontariomaple.com/maple-festivals/eastern-ontario/ for information.

In Connecticut, visit www.hebronmaplefest.com for all the details on their 18th annual festival to be held March 8-9.

Both of these festival attract large crowds. Pancake breakfasts with new syrup are always a big hit and a great fund-raiser for local community organizations.

IMSI Retirement

As announced at the Ohio meetings last October, I have decided to retire at the end of the year, having served the International Maple Syrup Institute for 10 years as executive secretary. The new executive secretary of the IMSI will be Dave Chapeskie of Ontario. Chapeskie retired from the Ontario Ministry of Food and Agriculture on January 30. He will take over the management of the IMSI as of March 1. Contact information for Dave Chapeskie will be in the March issue of Farming.

The author is a retired extension maple specialist who continues to report on maple news from around the maple world. Contact him at Larry.Myott@uvm.edu .