what effect did warmer weather have?

Some maple camp owners in Somerset County said today was their final day of boiling for syrup.

Baer Brothers Maple Camp Co-owner Mike Lynch said, “In our area almost everyone has finished making syrup. We have maybe a quarter of the producers still at it, but if you move north here a couple hours to where it didn't get as warm those producers are really making syrup and have the ideal weather conditions.”

Maple camp workers say the mild winter has made this year's maple season a challenge.

Brantview Farms employee Andrea Smouse said, “With no snow it has been a little more difficult because it really helps when there's snow on the ground.”

Lynch said, “A few weeks in a row we had 70 degrees in February, and that actually was very detrimental to our cycle.”

Cold nights and warmer days are what sugar camp workers say they want, but the weather can't be too hot.

Lynch said, “The hotter it is the more chances for it to spoil. Also, a chance for a lower grade of syrup, or darkening of the syrup with the warm weather.”

Darker syrup is not as sweet with much stronger maple flavor syrup producers say, but both have their uses, so it does not affect them financially.

Lighter syrup is more commonly used on pancakes, but sugar camp owners say darker syrup is better for adding flavor because of its stronger maple taste.

Even with the weather the season could have been worse.

Lynch said, “So, this year compared to most years that we make maple syrup we're about an average crop this year. Last year was below average, we're a little bit above that so I’d call it an average year for most producers.”

Brantview Farms workers say their season was better than average, and boiled for syrup on Friday, their last boil of the year.

Maple sugar maker at Brantview Farms Dan Brant said, “We've filled barrel number 50. Our previous best was 52 so we're working on 51 today.”

Smouse said, “We're really trying to hope to break this record and if we could do that, that would be great. So, fingers crossed.”

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