My plan 2022/23

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Originally Posted by berkshires

Depends on when the warm spell is. If it's a month before the historical average, forget about it. If it's two weeks early, and you're ready to go, and you can tap on a dime because you're just a hobbyist without thousands of taps - go for it. Last year I didn't (the warm spell was one week before my average tap date), and I lost a little production because I didn't tap early. This year I did tap 15 days before the historical best tapping date, and I was rewarded with the biggest runs I've ever had.

GO

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Oh yeah...no doubt. I agree. I would never tap in December or January. February is a different story. However, in the 20 years I have been sugaring, I have only tapped once in February. My historical average for 1st tapping is the first weekend in March and I am rarely tempted to stray from that.

Friends of mine tapped 2 weeks ago during that mild spell we had and they got a very nice run and made syrup. I almost tapped 2 weeks ago, but the extended forecast began changing and all high temps. were predicted to be not quite as high and not last quite as long so at the last minute I decided not to.

For those with a divided pan, who block off the channel openings over night, could you show me a picture of what you use to block the openings?

Thanks.

I know you are concerned about the gradient left in your pan when you are done for the night. When I had my divided pan I would add an additional 2 inches of sap to the pan once the firebox was down to coals. The next day when I began the boil, or when I had more sap, it really did not take long for the pan gradient to re-establish itself in all the channels as it was when I left. It amazes me how the sugar does that.

Hello Gary, over here in Haliburton (about same latitude as yourself) still quite cold. About 2 feet of snow and I have yet to walk the lines this year. Calling for warmer temps tomorrow so I will be heading up the hill. Looks to be at least two weeks off for tapping.
Some Clown makes interesting observations:

Tap mid to late March and end mid to late April.
Winter started late and was warmer than average and I predict it will end late, we just started getting our typical February snow storms.
Frost is not deep as this is the first time I have seen my sump pump running in February in 28 years of ownership

The issue of not a deep frost makes one wonder if the roots will respond earlier and send the sap upwards earlier. This is only my third year of production, not much history to draw on (no pun intended) so we shall see.

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Originally Posted by Pdiamond

I know you are concerned about the gradient left in your pan when you are done for the night. When I had my divided pan I would add an additional 2 inches of sap to the pan once the firebox was down to coals. The next day when I began the boil, or when I had more sap, it really did not take long for the pan gradient to re-establish itself in all the channels as it was when I left. It amazes me how the sugar does that.

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I would second this, I have a divided pan and do not worry about the gradient after boiling it reestablishes pretty quick as I have had a draw off within 30minutes of firing up.

Bryan

Thanks, that is reassuring. I look forward to my first boil of sap on the divided pan, but that looks to be still 2+ weeks away. There will be lots to learn. I think because my sap level will be 2” or a hair higher for the first number of draw offs, I hope that will keep me away from some of the problems.

Last year I had 14 boils on my steam pans and I learnt something each time.

There will be 98% less smoke this year and the sap will boil for less time, so I will be interested in what flavour and colour it will have. Last year there was a bit of a Smokey flavour and all of it was amber, which liked.

The welder should have the metal welded by tomorrow, but other than snowshoeing along the lines and shoveling off the shelter decks, there will not be too much to do maple wise. More ice fishing time.

Here are the plugs I made
Attachment 22960
Attachment 22961

You'll still make a darker syrup rarely did I ever come close to golden syrup, although I did produce a nice light amber one year. We ooh and ahh'd, and dumped it back in the pan.

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Originally Posted by Pdiamond

You'll still make a darker syrup rarely did I ever come close to golden syrup, although I did produce a nice light amber one year. We ooh and ahh'd, and dumped it back in the pan.

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Lol,

I actually made one bottle of golden at Christmas on the induction stove, I don’t know how. As mentioned before amber is my preference.

Attachment 22962

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e7w...ZjykzqlpzXCtuQ

Mother Nature is playing with my head now the forecast in the next week has changed. 4 of the next 6 days including today the sap could flow. Some days are 6C° /10F° warmer than they showed earlier on the long range forecast.

The only problem is the last week of the two week long range forecast is below freezing. Which means I might be able to collect this sap, but I would not start boiling it, and would have to let it freeze. I have zero confidence that the second week will stay freezing.

Today will be +3 / 37°.