Maple Syrup Production Increased in 2004

This year's season was a very good one for maple syrup producers. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Michigan maple syrup production was estimated at 80,000 gallons for the 2004 season, 21,000 gallons above the 2003 output. The season began 6 days earlier than last year due to favorable weather conditions. This survey indicates 70 percent of the syrup producers believed that temperatures were favorable during the tapping season. The survey also indicates 52 percent of the syrup produced was medium in color. Sugar content of the sap was lower, and more syrup was light than was dark in color.

Michigan ranked sixth in maple syrup production in 2004, the same as last year, and produced about 5 percent of the total U.S. production. The tapping season started this year on March 5 and ended March 31 for most producers. Total taps were 370,000 and the syrup yield was 0.216 gallons per tap. In 2003, Michigan producers sold 44 percent of their syrup retail, 44 percent wholesale, and 12 percent bulk. The average price per gallon for 2003 was $31.20 compared with $32.50 in 2002. The value of production for 2003 was $1. 8 million, down 24 percent from 2002.

The 2004 U.S. maple syrup production totaled 1.51 million gallons, up 20 percent from 2003. The number of taps is estimated at 6.96 million, up 2 percent from the 2003 total of 6.83 million, while the yield per tap is estimated to be 0.217 gallons, up 17 percent from 2003.

Maple syrup production increased in every State this year and is at the highest level since 1996. Vermont led all States in production with 500,000 gallons, an increase of 19 percent from last season. Maine's production, at 290,000 gallons, increased 2 percent from 2003. New York produced 255,000 gallons, 21 percent above 2003.

The 2003 U.S. average price per gallon was $28.30, up $0.80 from the 2002 price of $27.50. The U.S. value of production, at $35.6 million for 2003, was down 12 percent from 2002.