Maple Syrup Production Rebounds in 2001

Michigan maple syrup production was estimated at 60,000 gallons for the 2001 season, 16,000 gallons above the 2000 record low output. This season was a good year for the production of quality syrup. Sugar content of the sap was higher and the syrup was lighter in color than last year. Over two-thirds of the syrup producers reported that temperatures were favorable during the tapping season. This year's production is 36 percent above the record low in 2000.
The average price per gallon for 2001 is $31.40 compared with $35.10 last year. The preliminary value of production for 2001 is estimated at $1.9 million, up 22 percent from 2000. Michigan ranked seventh in maple production in 2001, the same as last year, and produced about 6 percent of the total US production.

The 2001 U.S. maple syrup production totaled 1.05 million gallons, down 15 percent from last year. The preliminary value of production, at $28.2 million, is down 17 percent from 2000.

Sugar content of the sap was better than the previous year as approximately 41 gallons of sap were required to produce a gallon of syrup. This is in contrast with 46 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup in 2000. More light syrup was produced than last year but most was of medium color. Vermont again led all States in production, with 275,000 gallons, a decrease of 40 percent from last season. Maine was second with 200,000 gallons, down 20 percent from last year. New York's production, at 193,000 gallons, decreased 8 percent from 2000. Production decreases in these three States are attributed to very cold temperatures, which limited good sap flow and syrup production. Ohio produced 96,000 gallons, almost triple last year's estimate of 34,000 gallons. Temperatures in Ohio were mostly favorable, with warm days and cold nights enhancing sap flow.

Maple Syrup: Production, Price, and Value *

 *Price and value are revised for 2000 and are preliminary for 2001 based on producer expectations during April and May 2001.