Hurtin' Bad in CT

[valleyman]

Seems like the general consensus in CT, at least southern CT is that we're drying up down here.

Moving forward (like our season), I will be ready by Mid January. I was physically ready, but mentally I said it's too early. Guess I should have listened to a couple of wise sugar men early on.

Just 7 years ago, I was using Valentines day as my start date.

"Seasons change and so did I, You need not wonder why..."-The Guess Who

[lafite]

I'm with you. feb 14 used to be a great target date. Mother Nature usually has the last say...

[DaveB]

Years ago sugar makers had a limited window of time that they could tap because the tap holes would start drying out but with modern taps and systems that window is much longer. Most larger producers start tapping in January and are collecting sap through March so I don't see why most producers that use the modern spouts and systems shouldn't be doing the same.

I was thinking the same thing of just tapping in January not because the goal posts have moved but why not? If I can still collect for 8 weeks and start in January, I might gain an extra run or two with the January thaw. I've always tapped around St Valentine's Day as well but then you run into years like this or last that make you think you should have tapped earlier and then you run into a 2007 or 2015 where you can't even tap until March because it's too cold.

[Stiets]

I hear ya Valleyman. This year has been rough for myself but it was a big learning year, so not a total blow out. I keep telling my wife, "you can't put a price on the knowledge I or we both learned". Not only just learning my new equipment and finishing the smalls on the new sugar shack, but learning all about observing all the trees, frozen/thawed ground, bugs during high temps and so on. Next year we will be ready by the first week January to tap if the weather and temps are ready.

[Helicopter Seeds]

I think Sap is running today and tomorrow- last night I did not collect much, but it really only warmed a few hours since the freeze, and I collected earlier than normal.

I have to be optimistic on this year - but I also would have rather tapped a few weeks earlier. Last year I tapped mid January, was done mid March. I will plan to be ready earlier next year. Less worrying about bugs and spoil and budding.

[valleyman]

I think Sap is running today and tomorrow- last night I did not collect much, but it really only warmed a few hours since the freeze, and I collected earlier than normal.

I have to be optimistic on this year - but I also would have rather tapped a few weeks earlier. Last year I tapped mid January, was done mid March. I will plan to be ready earlier next year. Less worrying about bugs and spoil and budding.

It could be worse. We could be living in a part of the country where there are no sugar maples and we wouldn't even be having this conversation. We'd have to be buying the sweet stuff!

[Woodsrover]

It could be worse. We could be living in a part of the country where there are no sugar maples and we wouldn't even be having this conversation. We'd have to be buying the sweet stuff!

Xactly!! Play the hand that's dealt ya!

[Stiets]

It could be worse. We could be living in a part of the country where there are no sugar maples and we wouldn't even be having this conversation. We'd have to be buying the sweet stuff!

Well said right there. I have family that wants us to move to North Carolina. My reply......"No thank you. No sugar maples down there." At that point they realized how truely addicted I am to making syrup.

[madmapler]

I'm in southern vt. and the last few days since the freeze have been pathetic. I just finished tapping just about 2 weeks ago. I wouldn't let what's happening now determine things.

[killingworthmaple]

My worst year ever!!! 80 taps and only made 3 gallons of syrup I am wondering now much the drought is playing into it. Every day it's too warm or too cold.