Maple Syrup Output Drops

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- The 2005 U.S. maple syrup production totaled 1.24 million gallons, down 18% from 2004 and 1% below 2003, according to the USDA's final crop production report for 2005.

Maple syrup production decreased in all States except Pennsylvania which experienced a slight increase in production. Vermont led all States in production with 410,000 gallons, a decrease of 18% from last season. Vermont syrup production accounted for 52% of New England's production and 33% of the United States production.

Maine's production, second in the United States at 265,000 gallons, decreased 9% from 2004. Production in New York, at 222,000 gallons, is 13% below 2004. Production is down 50% in Wisconsin, 31% in New Hampshire, 27% in Michigan, 20% in Massachusetts, 12% in Ohio, and 9% in Connecticut from last season.

Pennsylvania, the only State with increased production, is up 2% from 2004. An increase in taps in most States was more than offset by a decrease in yield causing production to decline. Temperatures in the maple syrup producing States were generally unfavorable for good sap flow and syrup production in 2005. Most of these States experienced weather that was too cold for sap flow.

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