Checking what VT sugar makers are doing

[spud]

I am glad to hear you guys are doing well. I hope to see some sap today but it looks like the weather man has changed things a bit for my area. The one thing i know for sure is spring will come. When it does I hope to join in on the fun and get a lot of sap. For now it's just me and Sarah Lee.

Spud

[Scribner's Mountain Maple]

Mother nature is a fickle beast. Usually she annoys me, but this year I could give her a big hug. I was way behind getting everything set up this year and behind in tapping too. This extra time has been a life saver. Now I am ready to roll, and it looks like Momma Nat is about to spread some sunshine into our lives. I'm sorry momma for all I've said about you in the past. You are my new bff.

The forecast looks good for the next two weeks. Of course, we will have to see what momma brings us.

Ben

[wiam]

Finally was ready to boil yesterday and made about 24 gallons.

[sapmaple]

I actually don't think we disagree at all. I've seen good runs from N, E, S, and W, and poor runs from N, E, S, and W. Sap flow has more to do with the branch temperature than anything else. My point was that there isn't any really strong correlation between wind direction and sap flow, which I think is what you are getting at as well. While there might be a small effect, it certainly isn't anything that is terribly strong or that you should hang your hat on.

I don't think we can hang our hat on anything in sugaring except we love to do it!!

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

You said it as well as it could be said. This year is a year that will bring a "expert" to humility.

I don't think we can hang our hat on anything in sugaring except we love to do it!!

[Scribner's Mountain Maple]

Well I wasn't really expecting much today, but around 12-1 things started to loosen up and it actually ran pretty good for a few hours. Still not the mother load I am waiting for, but it's a start. I have big hopes for this week though.

Someone told me today that they had heard Vermont is at about 10% of normal production so far on the season. We still have a long way to go it would seem. I hope...

Ben

[JoeJ]

10% so far for me. I expected to make 1,500 gallons and am at 157 gallons now. Not many days left to be able to make a full crop.

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

We went out sugar house hopping. first stopped at Little Hogback, awesome set up sugar house was awesome very nicely done. they had a table set up all their products out on it and they were starting the Maple hot dogs but I left before they were cooked. I have a few pics will get them posted. on way back to P town stopped at Sapmaple in cornwall he was motoring right along, had lots of people there. Kitchen smelled good they were cooking things and had their little retail store all set up very nice. Nice sugar house also, very well set up.
Then stopped at the BIG B's house in Hubbardton, Randy always has a good show going, his wife had a table set up maple hot dogs and other munchies, boy by the time we got there was starving almost ate all her dogs, few cups of coffee. must be a dry count no boiling sodas to find any where. Randy had people stopping by think it was a good day for all who had their sugar houses opened up.

[spud]

Yesterday it started running about 1:00pm and then ran pretty good till 7:30pm. I got 3000 gallons. I only need 2000 more gallons this month to match my GPT this time last year. I think I am right on track and I think the season will go an extra week in my area bringing it to April 27th or so. Once the 12-14,000 gallon runs start coming in it will add up fast.

Spud

[GeneralStark]

We had a good weekend here at Little Hogback. Good visitation and sales both days, though the sun brought more people out yesterday. Had just enough sap to boil all weekend, though we weren't pushing the rig very hard. Made over 20 gal all weekend, all amber rich right on the golden line. Just over 50 gal. for the season so far. Pulled in almost 400 gal. of sap between 3 pm and this morning. It froze up at some point but is running lightly this morning. Should run ok today and will likely boil again tomorrow. After boiling raw sap all weekend I am looking forward to concentrate.

Flat Lander Sugaring stopped by to visit for a little while and it was nice to meet him. Wicked good guy!

On a side note, since I stopped flooding the pans at shut down I have not been having the large draw off at start-up. It is much more controlled and gives me plenty of time to set the auto draw (which is awesome!). Thanks for the tips guys!