Checking what VT sugar makers are doing

[blissville maples]

Yesterday was certainly a great day for sap, nearly 2 gal per tap from 10 am to 12 pm last night!! 1150 taps running at about 130-40 gals per hr on 27.5"..... So far sugar holding around 2%. We made 105 gallons other day and 80 yesterday on our 3*10 vortex- 105 is a record in one day! So far we're at 497 gallons, sitting on 4300 gals sap now and will be running soon so it should be another hundred gallon day!

[Mead Maple]

Been reading a bunch on here ever since I got bit by the maple bug! Trees haven't quite opened up here in Middlesex in my location but things are starting to move. Made our first gallon of syrup ever and our second boil ever! Was pretty happy to see a very light grade. Sap had tested just over 3%, all sugar maples. Have a great neighbor up the road that's been helping making it such a fun first season. Love reading all about the pros on here!

[hogisland42]

It didnt run as good as I thought it would have for me yesterday. Not sure why, I Know it took awhile for the lines to thaw.

[VTfarmboy]

.5 gpt today back down to 2.6%, trickled through the night and froze briefly early am. a few moths in one tank today.

[Mead Maple]

Ran better than I thought yesterday after a 9° reading yesterday morning. Ran a little today but the wind kept the temps down. Looks like things will be slow for tomorrow but end of the week we’ll be in the sap.


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[bj's sugaring]

1.3 gpt last run, ro to 8%ish and boiled it today to make 6.5 gal. Heres to hoping the season holds on for me, the forecast looks like a big run mid week and then no freeze for 4 days

[woodfordmark]

i just got done draining and cleaning my syrup pan, but noticed that the pan was showing signs of buildup. What is the best to use on getting the stainless clean? In the past I have used an extra fine steel wool pad. Your input is appreciated! And for the record, having a hard time keeping up with "mom nature"!!!

[DrTimPerkins]

i just got done draining and cleaning my syrup pan, but noticed that the pan was showing signs of buildup. What is the best to use on getting the stainless clean? In the past I have used an extra fine steel wool pad. Your input is appreciated! And for the record, having a hard time keeping up with "mom nature"!!!

Soaking the pans with permeate tends to work pretty well. If that won't move it, then a little pan acid (or white vinegar) in water should do it. Do NOT use steel wool unless it is stainless steel wool, otherwise you'll have spots that rust.

Are you switching sides occasionally during boiling to avoid/reduce niter build-up?

[DrTimPerkins]

Barely made it to 32 deg F yesterday afternoon after a very cold night, but the sap trickled in a little for a couple of hours starting about 4pm. Only about 450 gal of sap total. Today will probably be about the same. Should open up late-Wednesday afternoon and run into early next week, with a few freezes tossed in every couple of days.

Still planning to boil on Friday. Bulk tank and overflow should be close to full of concentrate by then.

[Mead Maple]

Barely made it to 32 deg F yesterday afternoon after a very cold night, but the sap trickled in a little for a couple of hours starting about 4pm. Only about 450 gal of sap total. Today will probably be about the same. Should open up late-Wednesday afternoon and run into early next week, with a few freezes tossed in every couple of days.

Still planning to boil on Friday. Bulk tank and overflow should be close to full of concentrate by then.

Dr. Tim, how is your north face woods running up there? I was up there last week picking up a truck from Clark's and noticed less snow than Middlesex. We've still got cold spots with almost 3' of snow and those trees have barely produced any because the bases are still frozen. Of course this is with buckets so those running vacs might be having better luck. Everyone who's sugared for many years have told me it's the latest they've ever got started.


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