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ABOUT US
The
New York State Maple Producers Association is comprised of almost 550 of
the finest syrup makers in the United States. Our purpose is to increase
the production of New York State maple syrup and enhance its sale across
the nation. Ten years ago Wyoming County maple producers began a program
to expose their maple syrup to people across the country, calling it
Maple Sunday. Their goal was to open maple production facilities to the
public and showcase the making of maple products from the tree to the
table. Demonstrations showed the tapping of trees, the collection of sap
and the boiling of sap into syrup. Producers also provided a variety of
product sampling and sales to the public.
The event grew quickly and in size and stature becoming a smashing
success that has spread statewide. It is now called Maple Weekend
and it has helped increase public perception of New York State maple
syrup, which has won numerous awards as the best in the United States.
In fact, New York State Maple Producers often sell bulk syrup to packers
in neighboring Vermont, who have then put their label on it.
New
York State – Fourth Leading Producer of Maple Syrup Worldwide
In 2004, New York State maple producers made more than 255,000
gallons of syrup, an increase of 21% from the year before according to
the New York Agricultural Statistics Service. New York makes 17% of all
the syrup made in the United States.
This is a very impressive amount despite an unusual winter. The maple
season ran from March 4 until April 3. Most producers ended with an
average crop. Tapping and running tubing was very difficult. Producers
were unable to tap as many trees as they had planned due to heavy snow
cover. Weather conditions were not the best for sap flow. Cold weather
early in the season with the lack of warm days limited sap flow
throughout most of the State. Later, the weather was good for a short
time before becoming extremely warm, therefore limiting sap flow. After
the warm spell, conditions returned to near normal and producers enjoyed
a period of good sap flow. Some producers in the higher elevations
reported temperatures that were at least four to five degrees cooler
than lower elevations. With blasting winds, the trees remained frozen in
Northern New York State while sugar makers at low elevations were
achieving sap flow. Even though temperature fluctuations during the
season were not consistent, the syrup quality of this year's crop was
very good.
The number of taps in the state, 1.35 million, increased about 1% from
last year. Syrup produced per tap averaged 0.19 gallons, up from 0.157
gallons in 2003. The final value of the 2003 crop was estimated at $6.84
million. The crop value for 2004 will be released in June of 2005.
Sap was slightly below average for sweetness, requiring an average of 42
gallons to make one gallon of syrup. Syrup color was: dark – 19%, medium
– 54% and light – 27%.
Despite its consistently high quality, the average cost of New York
State maple syrup is about 20% below the national average, which proves
you can have the best and afford it too!
Thanks to Best Folding Tables and Chairs for donating folding tables and folding chairs for this years event, and to Neon Sign Express for the custom maple leaf neon signs.
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For the list of participating producers
click on the LOCATIONS button.
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See and smell the sap being boiled into maple syrup |
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