The Bear asks that when you do tap be sure to post your sugar content as often as you can .... and please test from a combined mix of all your sap.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost
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The Bear asks that when you do tap be sure to post your sugar content as often as you can .... and please test from a combined mix of all your sap.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost
So tempting for sure with the forecast ahead. Still not tapping until close to end of January. Still have equipment adjustments to do anyways. I’m not ready to make anything yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
I followed this"rule of thumb" last year and will not make that mistake again. I believe at one time in history, that rule may have been applicable, but not with the weather of recent times.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
Last year, I made 1/3 of the syrup per tap that I have made in the past. Partly because of an early warm-up but partly because I waited 5 weeks from when weather first looked good for that prolonged freeze.
Sure, the ssc may be down before a freeze compared to after but what if that prolonged freeze doesn't happen. Weather is unpredictable at best and getting more unreliable every year.
If the weather is right and you are ready, tap them and make syrup. You never know what it might be like tomorrow let alone in a couple of weeks.
When did you tap last year?
I start watching weather trends in October and November and try and build an estimate of what will happen. Once we get close to the winter solstice you can usually reasonably guess the trends for the next couple months. Look at the weather history for the last 6-8 weeks and you'll be able to identify some trends. Guide your tapping by that, still I would be reluctant to go all in more than two weeks prior to historic tapping dates. I'm in southern Ohio and my timeline is not the same as you in northern areas, but weather trends are still applicable. We often see winters anymore that never have a deep freeze and our thaw comes quicker. However, we rarely get long periods of snow cover and so when we do get really cold temps. our ground takes longer to thaw than those areas that have deep snow cover. Therefore use what others are doing only as a source of information that helps you build your own scenario. I have tapped all in as early as January 8th and as late as February3rd, but most years (80%) my all in tapping is between January 20 and 31st. When you see me talk about tapping in December, don't get confused that I am all in. I have a part of my bush I early tap independent of my main bush and season. I do not depend on these for regular production, but as a bonus tapping.
The only trend I can discern with suitable confidence is that my wallet keeps getting thinner.
if your question was to me, I tapped Feb. 8th & 9th last year.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost
Yup me too and also that every year we get a more and more dangerous version of the flu! This year being particurly bad!Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost
By the way "The Bear" findeth this today all over the news.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weath...lit-cold-snow/
I agree. I feel like I'm waiting just because I'm supposed to. The daily long range forecast for my area looks so good. 20's at night, 40's during the day.Quote:
Originally Posted by minehart gap
Long-term weather forecasts are not terribly reliable. History is as good or better an indicator.
https://mapleresearch.org/pub/mn1116weather-2-2/