Maple Syrup Harvest Sinks 19%

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/10 - SNS - The 2010 United States maple syrup production totaled 1.96 million gallons, down 19% from the revised 2009 total, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

The number of taps is estimated at 9.27 million, 3% above the 2009 revised total of 8.98 million. Yield per tap is estimated to be 0.211 gallons, down 21% from the previous season's revised yield.

Temperatures were reported to be too warm for optimal sap flow in all States. On average, the season lasted 23 days compared with 28 days last year. In most States, the season started sooner than last year. The earliest sap flow reported was January 14 in Vermont. The latest sap flow reported was May 1 in Maine.

Sugar content of the sap for 2010 was up from the previous year. On average, approximately 46 gallons of sap were required to produce one gallon of syrup. This compares with 43 gallons in 2009 and 39 gallons in 2008. The majority of the syrup produced in each State this year was medium to dark in color with the exception of Maine.

The 2009 United States price per gallon was $37.80, down $2.90 from the revised 2008 price of $40.70. The United States value of production, at $90.8 million for 2009, was up 17% from the revised previous season. Value of production increased in Maine, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

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