Interest in alternative tree syrup is growing
In southern Ontario, walnut syrup is currently produced in small hobby batches from sap harvested from maturing trees that are found growing in small groups or are growing randomly along fencerows of farm fields. In many cases, squirrels likely planted the walnut trees. Sap is collected from walnut trees using buckets, since operations are not practically large enough at this time to install modern vacuum tubing.
Sap harvest has ended in Ontario
The 2019 maple sap harvest and syrup processing season has come to an end for maple syrup producers. Late northern areas were able to process a few final runs of sap before buddy off-flavours appeared. Although the precise results of syrup production are not tallied yet, maple syrup producers say they are satisfied with both the yield of syrup and the high quality of maple flavour for the 2019 harvest.
Past two weeks summary
The maple syrup season may have gotten off to a late start this year, but the past two weeks have provided weather conditions that have been just right for frequent sap runs. All areas of the province were in production these past two weeks, from early southwestern and Niagara areas to late northern regions. Moderate to large volumes of sap have been processed repeatedly into syrup to keep up with the flow of new sap.
Past two weeks summary
Sap harvest is underway in early and mid-season areas across southern Ontario and just beginning in later northern regions. Production in southwestern and Niagara regions report the 2019 syrup crop ranges from 50 to 80+ percent of an average yield, with very large sap runs happening in Wellington / Waterloo this past week. Grey-Bruce and similar mid-season areas report no large sap runs have occurred yet however, 30 to 50 percent of the syrup crop has been processed. Continue reading
Previous two weeks summary
The extended deep-freezing conditions over the past two weeks has stopped sap harvest and maple syrup processing in early regions of southwestern Ontario and Niagara. Central mid-season areas and northern areas are still on track for a normal start to the sap harvest season.
The snow is deep this year in northern and Ottawa Valley sugar bushes and producers have been occupied with digging out buried mainlines. Tap installation in many sugar bushes was progressing well until the deep cold made the risk of bark splitting too high. Continue reading
Welcome to the Ontario Maple Syrup Production Report for the 2019 sap harvest and syrup processing season. The report will be posted once every two weeks and will continue throughout the syrup processing season. Each message will include a summary of sap flow activity across the province, progress on syrup processing and crop yield, and highlights from producers on syrup colour class and syrup flavours as the season advances. Continue reading
The following pest management report is provided by Jennifer Llewellyn, Tree Nursery and Landscape Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Jennifer’s primary focus is on insect pest and disease management of conifer and deciduous trees and shrubs, to assist commercial tree nursery operators and provide guidance for managers of trees in established urban forest landscapes. Forest Health Specialists with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry share a similar role for rural forested regions.
