Checking what VT sugar makers are doing

[bairdswift]

Unless the forecast is seriously wrong (if they are predicting temperatures far lower than we actually get), I can pretty well assure you that the trees (maples at least) will NOT break bud next week. Although the forecast is for air temps in the 50s (at least here in North-central VT), it is supposed to be cloudy and rain...which will help to keep things cooler. Maple trees will resist the urge to bud next week because they've been around a good long time and are far better adapted to the climate than we give them credit for.

This is the best thing I have heard all day..

[WestfordSugarworks]

I have had some issues with the fitting the wires for the pump go through into the releaser. It leaked last season so I took it all apart this winter and got it back together tight. I do have a leaky check valve on the pump out line and that will cause some weird symptoms especially if it is not consistent. If you can, get it up to vac. and then turn everything off so you can really listen for leaks. If it is at the releaser you will hear it, if it is check valve, you will see bubbles coming back pump out line.

Hm I haven't checked out to see if those are leaking also. I hope not. thanks for the tips. We had leaky check valves on the pump line but we got that all fixed. We detected this leak using the method you described. I believe our leak is at the gasket where the vacuum pump line enters the top barrel. I'll attack it with silicone tomorrow morning and hopefully we can get good and tight for these runs.

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

Hm I haven't checked out to see if those are leaking also. I hope not. thanks for the tips. We had leaky check valves on the pump line but we got that all fixed. We detected this leak using the method you described. I believe our leak is at the gasket where the vacuum pump line enters the top barrel. I'll attack it with silicone tomorrow morning and hopefully we can get good and tight for these runs.

You mean at the uni-seal? Mine was leaking on a uni-seal at the pump out line. I took it out and found the hole cut-out was rough and uneven. I sanded it with 100 grit sandpaper, reheated the uniseal in hot water, and put a small bead of silicone around the lip where it meets the outside of the releaser. I've had no problems since.
Neil

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

i was told last week that trees were budding in argyl NY area, i laughed out loud and was like no way!!!!

after this warm week people better have their %@%# ready its going to start running every day, long range puts it into April.

[wiam]

Finally got tank valve thawed yesterday. Boiled with new rig. Not enough to draw. Still playing with nozzles.

[GeneralStark]

Been working on new house mostly. We're into the final details at this point. I made a few minor modifications in the sugarhouse to some plumbing, all my taps are in, I'm well rested and am ready for the BIGSAP coming this week. Time to fill some barrels!

[PARKER MAPLE]

I did a complete walk threw of both big bushes this morning. Then returned at 1 and turned on the vac pump. Sap is running in at a pretty good clip and pulling 22.5" I have a leak somewhere. Last weeks wind storm took down a few lines and I'm sure pulled somethings apart. Tomorrow starts the big run I believe, full speed ahead everyone. The majority of our syrup I think will be made in the next two weeks.
Good luck
pM

[spud]

I have been dealing with some kind of death flu. My whole family has been sick for days. I lost my taste for Sarah Lee Pound cake. My pumps are on and I can only hope my vacuum will be at 27 when the lines thaw. I don't see big sap coming to me tomorrow but Tuesday it should start running real good. I hope by then I will feel good enough to reunite with Sarah Lee and get the job done. This is not the end but only the beginning. I plan to keep pumps on till April 20. You gotta believe. Good luck everyone.

Spud

[WestfordSugarworks]

Feel better Spud.

Looks like its gonna be a busy week. We are replacing all lighting in the sugarhouse, RO room, tank room, with shatterproof lighting in order to get certified Organic.

Check out this http://www.mapleguild.com/ It's Sweet Tree's website. Look at number 4 'Steam Crafting' under the 'Our Process' Tab.. it says

"Most people boil their sap at high heat, which makes syrup with a burnt caramel flavor. Not us. Our unique steam-based processing makes it lighter and more elegant to the taste buds."

Lol.

[DoubleBrookMaple]

Went out and tapped 25 more for good measure today. Sap will start running a little tomorrow, and Tuesday-Wednesday should be huge.