North East Ohio 2025

[Darrel Wright]

I pulled the taps on my silvers last week after they really made a change.

I’ve always pulled silvers early and was about to do so last week, but read a few opinions that they really don’t produce bad sap until after the flowers are fully red. So I guess I’m testing that theory this year because I’ve still got them hooked in. I might actually segregate some silver sap today and do a test boil comparison.

[RC Maple]

I might actually segregate some silver sap today and do a test boil comparison.

I'd be interested to know how that comes out. It seems like my silvers usually just quit instead of producing bad sap - I was tempted to leave them tapped but they're connected with the rest of my sugar maples on tubing on my setup at home -so I was playing it safe. As for pulling the plug like I said yesterday - that didn't happen. I had a half gallon run yesterday of nice-looking sap and made some good syrup with it last night. We'll see what the next freeze does. If the earth will yield it's increase, who am I to say no?

[johnallin]

Where's everyone been this year, sure has been quiet seems like Trader fading off into the sunset.

Used to enjoy the reports from local producers.

[johnallin]

All taps pulled as of today. Not too shabby with the 70F temps.
Pretty weird year all in all though with the cold start I was sure it’d be more traditional.
For the third year in a row I dumped more sap than I used to. I just didn’t have it in me to run junk through my rig.
And for the third year in a row, I was about 2 weeks late to the party, so go figure.
Equally concerning, to me anyway, is the lack of traffic on Trader…I used to look forward to local reports on sap runs and quality and how local sugar houses were doing in general - that seems to be a thing of the past?

[Pdiamond]

John I myself have been on the trader for some time and agree with you. There used to be a lot more posts during the season. I am on this site almost every day all year long. It is one of my favorite sites and just a place to relax.

[BAP]

All taps pulled as of today. Not too shabby with the 70F temps.
Pretty weird year all in all though with the cold start I was sure it’d be more traditional.
For the third year in a row I dumped more sap than I used to. I just didn’t have it in me to run junk through my rig.
And for the third year in a row, I was about 2 weeks late to the party, so go figure.
Equally concerning, to me anyway, is the lack of traffic on Trader…I used to look forward to local reports on sap runs and quality and how local sugar houses were doing in general - that seems to be a thing of the past?

This year has been quite compared to the past years. Used to be I would get up in the morning, drink my coffee, open Trader and click on the “What’s New” button and get 2-3 pages of posts. This year it was lucky to get 3/4 of a page. I think people are using other forms of social media more.

[johnallin]

This year has been quite compared to the past years. ..... I think people are using other forms of social media more.

I think you have the answer. It's a shame as there's a wealth of information here.
Losing the ability to post pics may have had a big part in the migration....

[RC Maple]

Losing the ability to post pics may have had a big part in the migration....

I do think that has played a role. The issue has been raised in different parts of the forum, and nothing has been done to improve it. My taps were pulled a week ago and boiled the last two small runs from the taps still producing. I expected a good run on 3/21, but that was the day half my taps decided they had enough warm temps and gdd's and called it quits. I boiled down what was left in the pan on the turkey fryer Thursday night and have all the syrup in the fridge waiting to do our last canning session. I'm looking forward to seeing our totals for the year and will post the numbers when all is wrapped up. While the weather is good, I've been cleaning up every night...buckets are washed, taps cleaned and put away lines are down but need cleaned before storing for the season. Cleanup is a bigger job than doing the work while the sap's running.

[Ohio Maple Blaster]

Totally felt the same way. I took last season off, but was looking forward to another year of checking in here to see how my runs were comparing to others throughout the season. Always used the input from others here almost as a confirmation that is was a good time to get taps in. Plus I like to just stay up to date with new tech that guys are adding, or what they are workshopping this year. Hopefully there is a rebound here in the future.

I did get in one good boil this season, and was able to finish just over 1.5 gallons. In an average year I would shoot for 7, which is enough for me for the year plus plenty to give away, and always had plenty for curing bacon/making breakfast links.

Having a 9 month old was certainly the reason for my limited availability this season, but hoping that she picks it up when she's older and can use MT herself!

Thanks for everyone's input this year, you guys are the best!