I don't think that the earlier thaw theory has anything to do with it. For the last 2 seasons the thaw hasn't come until April and the sugar content here hasn't gone up a measurable amount. It may have more to do with the fact that a century ago most of the producers were farmers that raised cattle or sheep. Most of those farmers made maple syrup as the crop of the year. The sugar maples were allowed to grow around pastures and on fence rows while other tree species were not. Because the maples didn't have much competition for sunlight and nutrients they flourished with large crowns that helped produce more sugar. Now because of the decline in the family farm the pastures have grown in with all species of trees that compete with the maples for sunlight and nutrients.

Do you agree with me or with the person that the Union Leader interviewed that knows nothing about our state's agricultural background?