Smaller Maple Syrup Harvest

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/08 - SNS -- The 2007 U.S. maple syrup production totaled 1.26 million gallons, down 13% from 2006 but 1% above 2005., according to the USDA final crop report for 2007.

Maple syrup production decreased in all States. Decreased yields were the largest contributing factor to the decrease in production.

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.

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.

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