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whaletacochamp t1_j33js62 wrote

Another thing is that the sap right now is SUPER low in sugar content. During usual sugaring season the sugar content of the sap is usually about 2%. Right now it's about 1.2%. That means that it takes nearly twice as much energy to boil the sap down. BUT, you are left with a lighter (both in color and taste) syrup.

For this reason you will see all but the largest producers holding off right now. The math just doesn't check out. Hell I have two of the biggest producers in state literally in my back yard and neither of them bothered to get going for this run. I think they are thinking of starting to tap just to be ready for what seems like it will be an early season.

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Outrageous-Outside61 t1_j33mcch wrote

We are getting 1.8 right now (Orange County) just started tapping (always start in Jan, 40k+ taps takes a long time)

Sucks dumping 1.8 so we might as well start boiling. Haha

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whaletacochamp t1_j3453p8 wrote

Yeah if youre already tapping might as well boil at 1.8 for sure. Will have to check what my neighbors are seeing. I could hear them working today so I know they’re tapping but don’t know if they are running yet or not. Lots of work to do after that big Christmas blow. Luckily they leave most of it right by the trail for me to scavenge for firewood. They tap nearly 2k of my trees do we’ve got a good relationship

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thisoneisnotasbad t1_j36i7y1 wrote

Given most large places use RO filters to refine the sap and only finish by boiling the lower sugar content is not too big a deal.

Even small ops can use fairly cheap ~200$ RO equipment to remove 40 to 60% of water preboil.

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whaletacochamp t1_j36jsrm wrote

Sure, but I’ve heard from two huge makers at this point that 1.2 still isn’t worth it at that point.

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thisoneisnotasbad t1_j36l2yc wrote

Which ones, I know the Brannons in Fairfield were boiling. They are one of the biggest producers in the state.

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whaletacochamp t1_j36ljrv wrote

Green Mountain Mainlines (Sloan) and Mayotte.

Supposedly GMM is the second biggest in the state but that’s just what my neighbor told me…

Mayotte taps my tees and last I checked my property hadn’t even been tapped yet. Heading out momentarily to check.

Didn’t realize the Brannons were so big. My dad use to hunt with the family at their camp in Waterville/Bakersfield and they definitely had lines back then but I don’t think it was a huge operation. Of course this was 20+ years ago

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thisoneisnotasbad t1_j36n7wx wrote

They are pretty big now and have moved largely from dairy to maple. Also turned they operation into a destination as much as a working farm, it is pretty impressive.

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whaletacochamp t1_j36oie3 wrote

I’ll have to tell my dad. I think he’s still in contact with them all and would love to see the place. I went to their old place in Waterville years and years ago. Very cool property and buildings

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whaletacochamp t1_j36mzzi wrote

Just checked and Mayotte hasn’t tapped yet, or at least not my section of woods.

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