We thought we were all done last weekend and started cleaning up. Not so fast...this week's sap run was ok and looks like we'll make some more syrup this wekend. Just wish I hadn't drained the evaporator. We'll have to sweeten the pans again.
We thought we were all done last weekend and started cleaning up. Not so fast...this week's sap run was ok and looks like we'll make some more syrup this wekend. Just wish I hadn't drained the evaporator. We'll have to sweeten the pans again.
Finally going to pull the plug today. 800 gallons sap from last 2 days just brought home but nothing running at all today. Sugar was down to 1-1.1% but sap was really clean and clear. No odor or color. Not sure on the totals but believe we will end up about 20-25 gallons below our goal. I'm sure we will now get a few more good sap days with the pumps off. At least I didn't have to scoop out any frogs from the sap tanks!
Finished boiling last of the sap. 10+ gallons of just barely extra dark with a good flavor.
Last edited by gmcooper; 04-13-2013 at 11:03 PM.
1700 Taps /1600 on Vac. 3x10 King evaporator
20 head Charolais cattle
8 head Lowline Angus
28 Miniature horses
90 hives honey bees
JD 4430 tractor
When is the open house in Vermont ?
2020: 317 taps, 2021: 360, 2022: 350 2023: 300, 2024: 230 (getting smarter)
Drop lines and hanging buckets, all hand lugged
2 X 6 raised flue evaporator
7in. Filter press
17 HP Kubota tractor
12 X 16' sugar shack
Sugar and red maples
Well I officially pulled the plug today. Collected 15 gallons of good sap but its just not worth firing up the pan to shut right back down and propane is a little too pricy to just use my finishing pan. First season was a success in my opinion. Learned a lot both good and bad, still lots more to learn.
Season totals are:
5 gallons Fancy
4.625 gallons Medium
3.5 gallons Dark
Looking forward to a sugar shack next season and more taps with a better collection system/method. I handled sap way too much and spilled too much as well. I will be making my way around to a few different sugar houses for design do's and dont's. All in all I had a great time!! Now I'm gonna plug a couple of birch just to give it a try.
I plan on going to Bascoms for a mess of stuff during the sale, but probably not during open house.Originally Posted by Cider Hill Maple Farm
Steven Abbott
Over 900 taps on vacuum
30" x 10' D&G Woodsaver evaporator with Steamaway
Half acre market garden
2 farmers in training
We usually go on Friday's to Bascoms for the open house.
1700 Taps /1600 on Vac. 3x10 King evaporator
20 head Charolais cattle
8 head Lowline Angus
28 Miniature horses
90 hives honey bees
JD 4430 tractor
Pulling taps starting tomorrow. The runs are over here. NOT a good sap year but better than none! About 4.5 gallons this year.
1 wife
8 kids
2 cats
4 chickens
75 taps
20 buckets
No spare time!!!
Life in "The County"
Still getting steady runs in central Aroostook county. As of last night we have made 220 gallons. No light this year but some really nice medium batches. Probably 50/50 medium /dark. Great flavor all season so far. Looks like at least another week (we hope). Shooting for 280-300 gals.
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