Maple Syrup Output Declines

WASHINGTON - Jun 11/07 - SNS -- Maple syrup production in the United states dropped 13% to an estimated 1.26 million gallons this year, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

The number of taps is estimated at 7.28 million, up less than 1% from the 2006 total of 7.26 million, while the yield per tap is estimated to be 0.173 gallons, down 14% from the previous season.

Vermont led all States in production with 450,000 gallons, a decrease of 2% from 2006. Production in Maine, at 225,000 gallons, decreased 25% from last season. Production in New York, at 224,000 gallons, is 11% below 2006. Production was down 25% in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, 23% in Michigan and Pennsylvania, 20% in Connecticut, 6% in New Hampshire, and 4% in Ohio. Decreased yields were the largest contributing factor to the decrease in production.

Temperatures were not favorable for sap flow in 2007 except in Ohio where the majority of producers reported favorable weather. Producers in New England experienced conditions that were mostly too cold for sap flow. The remaining States, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, experienced weather that was mostly too warm for sap flow. However, there were some extremely cold spells in many of these States that also hindered sap flow. On average, the season lasted 27 days compared with 28 days last year. New York reported the earliest season opening date of January 5. Maine reported the latest sap flow in 2007 with an approximate season ending date of May 7.

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