Michigan maple syrup production was estimated at 65,000 gallons for the 2012 season, according to Jay Johnson, Director, USDA, NASS, Michigan Field Office. The 2012 maple syrup season started earlier and was much shorter than a normal year. Overall, conditions were poor for sap flow with temperatures staying too warm earlier this year. The production was down 47% from last year's record high of 123,000 gallons. The season was shorter, 18 days, compared to 29 days in 2011 and 20 days in 2010.
Michigan's Maple Syrup Production Takes Weather-Related Hit
Michigan ranked seventh in maple syrup production in 2012. Michigan produced 3% of the total U.S. production. Total Michigan taps were 430,000, and the syrup yield was 0.151 gallons per tap
In 2011, Michigan producers sold 45% of their syrup retail, 15% wholesale, and 40% bulk. The average price per gallon for 2011 was $43.80, down $1.20 from 2010. The value of production for 2011 was $5.387 million, increasing from $3.690 million in 2010.
The 2012 United States maple syrup production totaled 1.91 million gallons, down 32% from 2011. The number of taps is estimated at 9.77 million, 2% above the 2011 total of 9.58 million. Yield per tap is estimated to be 0.195 gallon, down 33% from the previous season's yield.
All states, with the exception of Maine, showed a decrease in production from the previous year. Most growers in all states reported that temperatures were too warm for optimal sap flow. The season started sooner than last year in all states, with the earliest sap flow reported on January 5 in Connecticut. The latest sap flow reported to open the season was February 4 in Maine. On average, the season lasted 24 days, compared with 32 days in 2011.
The 2011 United States average price per gallon was $37.90, up $0.40 from the 2010 price of $37.50. Value of production, at $106 million for 2011, was up 44% from the previous season. The value of production was up in all states.