Bruce’s Corner

A few optimistic maple thoughts from Bruce...

 

The future of the maple syrup industry this year is a continuation of the recent rapid change in the new technology of increased sap production and more efficient equipment in the sugar house. There are many items on this website to help you improve productivity, reduce cost, and increase your profit.

We are nearing the completion of our new food safety-compliant syrup packaging building. The refrigerated basement can store about 25,000 drums of maple syrup to minimize fermentation. The main floor contains automated equipment to heat, filter, and process maple syrup in glass bottles, plastic jugs, and warehousing.

The past 2011 U.S. maple syrup crop was the largest in over 75 years. The combination of good weather, additional taps, and new upgrades of vacuum tubing systems were widespread in every state. Although there will be unsold syrup carried forward, a normal weather pattern in 2012 can quickly erase the current surplus. In my opinion, the core base production of the total U.S. maple crop is expanding 10-15% per year. At this rapid rate of growth, there will be twice the production in less than 10 years. I am optimistic that over a period of many years, this extra supply can be eventually absorbed by expanding new markets in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and beyond.

2012 bulk syrup price predictions are uncertain, but are likely to be the same or slightly lower than this past year. Even if there is another big crop, I “predict” that a bulk drum price in April of Grade A Light Amber and Grade A Medium Amber will be a minimum of $2.60/lb; Grade A Dark Amber $2.50/lb; Grade B $2.40/lb; Commercial grade $2.00/lb; and $1.50/lb for substandard or unfiltered commercial.

I am optimistic that the maple syrup industry has a good future. We will need to purchase more bulk drums of U.S.-origin maple syrup, so keep improving your productivity and consider expanding.

Best wishes for next season.

Bruce