\u00a0<\/p>\n
We should have started earlier. \u00a0If we had tapped by February 14 we would have had more sap. \u00a0Likely even an average to above average season. \u00a0The week of February 14 had the freeze\/thaw cycles we need: \u00a020s at night and 40s during the day. \u00a0 In future years we will be ready to move earlier if we have warm winters. \u00a0The trend may be warmer winters too with climate change. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Still we were fortunate. \u00a0With 51 gallons we had 85% of an average crop. \u00a0Other producers did much worse with 25% to 30% of a crop. \u00a0 \u00a0We are thankful for the crop we got.<\/p>\n
The big disappointment was the R\/O. \u00a0 We don’t regret getting it. \u00a0It was how the order was handled by the vendor. \u00a0 We understand its a piece of industrial equipment. \u00a0 \u00a0We are not gong to walk into our local Ag supply store and walk out with an R\/O. \u00a0But we did order it October 6, 2011 and the vendor said it should arrive without problem for the season. \u00a0<\/p>\n
During the off season we have a number of projects to complete. \u00a0Build an addition to the syrup building for the R\/O. \u00a0Its needs 240 volt power and insulation so it does not freeze. \u00a0 We need a new smoke stack on the evaporator. \u00a0 We just got by with the current smoke stack as its rusted and burnt through in a number of places. \u00a0We are still surprised we had no smoke in the building. \u00a0 \u00a0We will put in a new gate to the woods. \u00a0And we need to start a tree transplant program to get young maples in the areas around the syrup building. \u00a0 The area has mowed for the past 15 or more years. \u00a0There is no young growth only mature trees that are fast coming to their end of life.<\/p>\n
In October we will attend the North American Maple Syrup Council annual meeting in Connecticut. \u00a0 \u00a0We plan to be back here in February or March of 2013 for season 96.<\/p>\n