In the 12 years I have been doing this I have always tapped in the first 2 weeks of February. I may try putting taps in a little early this year see how it goes. I am also in Defiance not a a lot of syrup makers in Missouri. With 85 trees tapped kgingerich if we get good weather you are going to be busy!!
John
50+ taps mix of sugar maples, blacks and reds
Home built oil tank evaporator airtight w/Auf blower
2x4 flat continuous flow pan
Steam pan filter bottler
Honda big red and 6gal containers for sap collection
55gal blue barrels for storage
Looking to build sugar shack for equipment storage