Maple Production Recovers

Michigan maple syrup production was estimated at 73,000 gallons for the 1999 season; 8,000 gallons above the 1998 harvest, according to the Federal/State Michigan Agricultural service.

The season was better than last year but still not ideal. For most, the season started out right with cold weather in February. Then, about the first of March, temperatures warmed above freezing at night, hampering flow and shortening the season. Last year "El Nino" brought unusually warm temperatures for the entire tapping season. The prolonged dry spell last summer and fall, especially in the north and central parts of the state, may have reduced this spring's flow potential.

The average price received per gallon was $29.70 compared with $32.00 last year. Preliminary value of production was estimated at $22 million, up 23 percent from 1998.
Michigan ranked sixth in maple production in 1999, up from eighth last year, and produced about 6 percent of US production.

Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service

315WestAlleganStreet, Room101* Post Office box 20008 *Lansing, MI * 48901-0608 * (517)377-1831

Facsimile: (517) 377-1829 * E-mail: nass-mi@nass.usda.gov* http://www.mda.state.mi.us/mass/