Greetings from your President

Hello Michigan Maple Syrup Makers. It is very hot and dry here in central Lower Michigan. The local weatherman is saying that we are nearly three inches below normal rainfall this year. The crops are looking very, very sad. This dry period following the late spring frost, which devastated the fruit and grape crops, does not paint a very pretty picture for many of us this year.

The Maple Syrup crop reports are even more varied around the state than last year. As an example, Ron Thomas reported a very good year up at Rose City. Roger VandeBunte reported only about a quarter of a crop over at Hudsonville. Much of the yield had to do with how early you tapped. Most who reported moderate to average yields tapped in Mid-February.

Those who tapped later lost out on some good early runs. Clarity and flavor were reported as very good and quality carried through the whole season.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, The New England States had a much better year than last. From what I have heard, Canada did not do so well.

The M.M.S.A. Fall Tour is set for Saturday, September 28. We will be traveling to Charlevoix and Antrim Counties. Read all the details elsewhere in this newsletter.