Backyard Syrup Enthusiasts 2019

[Mvhomesteader]

Last season i started a thread geared toward the back yard or hobbyist syrup maker that generated some nice conversation and information sharing, so I thought I would try it again this season (if the season ever gets started!). I welcome all backyarders to tell your story, share your seasons highs and lows, or whatever!

This is my fourth season making syrup, third here in Mount Vernon, northwest of Augusta. I use a concrete block arch with 3 steam trays in conjunction with a wood stove/steam tray as a warming pan. This setup will evaporate around 7 gallons per hour so I can easily get a gallon of syrup a day. If I start reasonably early enough I can push 60 gallons. This past summer I added gravel around the area to eliminate the spring mud pit, as well as a new wood shed for a cord of sap wood.

I collect in milk jugs attached to 5/16 spiles with a piece of tube and jute as a hanger. I drag a homemade sled (old generator frame on downhill skis) around with 2-5 gallon pails to collect. The pails go in a snow bank for storage or the shed of it is too cold outside.

This season we are trying to make 10+ gallons, which is more than we've done before. In February I thought this might be doable, but now I'm starting to get a little concerned about how this season might unfold. The past seasons have had a nice warm up in February, so I tapped a few weeks ago thinking this might be a trend. I couldn't have been more off. I've collected 10 gallons so far which I will boil soon, but the cold set in and the trees froze up. So I think, like everyone else, I'm waiting. My concern is a quick warm up and a short run, especially the longer it takes to warm up. I guess time will tell. I tend to be rather impatient so I probably should have waited a few weeks to tap, but I've read it really doesn't matter.

What's happening with other backyarders? Anyone getting any sap? What are your seasons plans? I look forward to reading your stories and best of luck to all!!

[On the ledge]

I haven't tapped yet I'm in southwestern N.H.

[woodsy]

No taps in here yet. The extended 10 day surface temp forecast shows a warm up on or about the 12th so probably tap then.
The block arch is all dug out and equipment ready to go.
Snow depth is similar to last year 3-4 feet deep.
Only thing new this year is tapping Sugar Maples toward the back of the property. Its 1500' over some terrain and
bridge to get there but can tap less reds and less boiling is the objective with
the snowmobile takes the work out of collecting it.

[Jfsugarbush]

We have 350 taps in and ready! Cold weather has nearly stopped everything. Taps on field edge and lines on sureflo vac are slowly producing. 60 gallons of sap in first weekend with a 2.2% sugar content. Hoping for thaw!

[Mvhomesteader]

Today was a marker of what's to come. Even with 40 degree weather the trees are still holding back. I collected maybe 2 gallons off 23 taps but nothing to write home about. Like Woodsy said the warm up looks to begin after the 12th. I can't help walking around and wondering if the taps are in the right locations (relative to last years) since I am still new at this and used to a decent flow after tapping- not what is happening this year.

I will boil this week the 12 gallons i have, which at a brick 3 to 3.4 should give me strong quart.

I was reading in the Maple Sugar Book by Scott and Helen Nearing that they had a peculiar weather year in 1945 while sugaring in Vermont. They noted deep snow and temps in the low 30's in March 3. The temps shot up with rain over the next few days and over an 11 day period the lows were below 20 only three times. By March 15 The snow was gone and it was in the low 60's. Their sugaring weather lasted a fortnight with the resulting crop 1/3 of normal. Worst year in 100 at that time. They contrasted that with 1943 where the first warm day was March 26 with snow storms through April 23, making 3 times the syrup of 1945.

Which one will it be for 2019?

[Ltr77]

Today was a marker of what's to come. Even with 40 degree weather the trees are still holding back. I collected maybe 2 gallons off 23 taps but nothing to write home about. Like Woodsy said the warm up looks to begin after the 12th. I can't help walking around and wondering if the taps are in the right locations (relative to last years) since I am still new at this and used to a decent flow after tapping- not what is happening this year.

I still haven't tapped her in Mount Vernon, and not even sure if I will next weekend. Days are still cold, and I don't mind missing a bit. I haven't seen any steam billowing out at LaRue's as I drove by Blake Hill road this weekend. Maybe I missed it.

[jrm]

[QUOTE=I will boil this week the 12 gallons i have, which at a brick 3 to 3.4 should give me strong quart.[/QUOTE]

I can only dream of 3-3.4 sugar. The best I've had is 2.3. The first few years I didn't test. Typically was having 1.4-1.8. Nothing like boiling 60-80 gallons to get 1. Collected only 8 gallons so far, only had 3 taps in for the first 2 days.

Put 11 taps in last weekend. May be adding a few more end of the week. I'm seeing our temps here starting Friday and they look good for the five days after.

Decided to boil on 2 burner propane again this year, my son and I never got to building a new evaporator this year and he'd like to make some changes. Last year I used propane for the first time after shoulder surgery. There was definitely some appeal to being able to turn it off and go in for the night without all the fuss of wood.

[On the ledge]

Going to put my 50 taps in Tuesday it's the latest I have ever tapped. Did propane for a few years now I have a small sugar shack and a 1/2 pint evaporator.

[Mvhomesteader]

Interesting discussion on the use of propane. I can see the appeal for sure. My body isn't getting any younger. I use wood for several reasons, but mainly I just like working with wood. I have a lot of it around and since it is free and I enjoy working it up, it's my fuel of choice. It does commit you to starting early to wrap up by evening. I keep the "sap and crap" pile by the evaporator and put anything that will burn (solid wood, no plywood, etc) in the pile. Great place to get rid of goony shaped wood and pine!

On the subject of effort versus weather i decided to take the now 15 gallons and store it till next week after the warm up and anticipated sap run. Other than time boiling it takes as much time to set up, clean pans, finish syrup, etc for 15 gallons as it does 50. I think my time is better spent finishing some indoor projects and add the 15 gallons next week. It's partially frozen so it will keep.

A gentleman commented on the brix level i !measured. It usually starts out in the 3 range, but certainly doesn't stay that way all season. I will see that drop to 2 over a few week period.

[On the ledge]

Just finished tapping 50 taps. Some were dripping already with any luck hope to be able to boil Tuesday.