Maple Syrup Harvest Rises

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/07 - SNS -- The 2006 U.S. maple syrup production totaled 1.45 million gallons, up 17% from 2005 but 4% below 2004, according to the USDA 's final production estimate fore 2006.

Maple syrup production increased in all States except Connecticut and Massachusetts, which remained the same.

Vermont led all States in production with 460,000 gallons, an increase of 12% from last season. Vermont syrup production accounted for 53% of New England's production and 32% of the U.S. production. Maine's production, second in the United States at 300,000 gallons, increased 13% from 2005. Production in New York, at 253,000 gallons, is 14% above last year. Production was up 100% in Wisconsin, 34% in Michigan, 13% in Ohio, 12% in New Hampshire, and 8% in Pennsylvania from 2005.

Large increases in yield as well as additional taps set in many States led to increased production in 2006. Producers in Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Vermont, and Wisconsin reported favorable sap flow conditions. Weather in the 5 other States was either too warm or too cold for favorable sap flow.

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