The official start of the Maple season at Somerskogen was March 1 with our first measurable sap flow. Our fall preparations went quite well during very pleasant weather conditions. We had quite a few large branches and trees that came down during summer storms that required more line repairs than usual. After that was completed we switched to new spiles on all the drop lines. We waited for pleasant weather in February to place 1050 taps in their new location on the tree. We always look for fresh wood at least 4” to the side and 2” above or below last years hole. The previous tap site  tends to be healed over but there is non conductive wood above and below this previous site so it needs to be avoided as it no longer transports sap.

Our son Peter, and grandchildren Greta and Jack came up for the weekend  to assist with finding leaks and line repair as well as set up the RO , test and put our pumps and evaporator through a test run. All equipment is working as hoped, and we collected our first 400 gallons of sap on March2. It will be stored in a large refrigerated tank until we get a total of 1000 gallons at which point we’ll have our first boil of the season. Should just be a couple days. Check back!

Our vacuum pump is operational but the vacuum not yet high enough until we find further leaks in the system. We have found quite a few chew marks from squirrels which can dramatically reduce the vacuum.

We had our last boil of the season on March 13th. We hoped the  warm spell we experienced would not cause too much bud development which changes the sap and makes buddy syrup. The cold spell we experienced for the next 2 weeks raised our hopes that we could get quality sap when the warm weather returned.We even kept our taps in and did minimal end of year tasks. Unfortunately, the warm spell was too long and we have now accepted the fact that the 2024 season is now one for the history books! Pulling taps and cleaning up is now on the docket.

We bottled up 3 barrels of great tasting syrup today, so if you’d like to taste this years vintage, order on our website or call us to pick up your order.

We have continued to experience several more record warm days in the last weeks. February was the warmest in recorded  Minnesota weather history. As the temperature remained above 40 continuously for more than 48 hrs., we saw the sap flow screech to a halt.! We are now waiting to see if the predicted colder temperatures arrive this weekend before too much bud development occurs thereby changing the chemistry of the sap and making “ buddy” syrup. The sap can taste normal, but when boiled down can impart a “ tootsie roll “ off flavor which makes the syrup unpalatable. We have not seen the buds swell or elongate yet (buddy sap often occurs  at this time ) but we are concerned that it is coming soon.

 We have made 376 gal of syrup thus far and have been operating as if the season is over by preparing the RO and evaporator for end of year maintenance. We’ve turned off the vacuum and drained the collection tank , but will reverse those measures if the sap flows again. We have enjoyed hearing Sandhill Cranes and Canadian geese while outside as the Wood Ducks dart through the woods.

Although there is alot of work to this hobby, I hope the season has not ended.