Unpredictable weather means unpredictable maple syrup production

Changing weather patterns are making maple syrup production unpredictable in Ontario, but producers say good yields are still possible – for now.

Temperature fluctuations leading into spring make it challenging for producers to know when to tap the trees. Tap too early and the holes stop producing before the sap can really get flowing. Tap too late and miss out on the most productive part of the season.

The unpredictability is a source of anxiety for many producers. John Williams, executive director of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association (OMSPA), said while 2022 was an excellent year, in 2021 some producers lost more than a third of their expected yield. 

“We had a drop in production of about 20 per cent across North America because we had a really significant warm up in the second week of March,” said Williams on The Sam Laprade Show with guest host Derick Fage. “Everything started out fine and then, 'boom', the temperatures went through the roof and it cut two weeks right out of the season. So we were we were down 40 per cent.”

Williams said technology has helped ease some of the stress brought on by a changing climate. Vacuum tubes and replacing the spouts that go into the trees have all helped boost production.

“All these things help keep those tap holes open longer and give us a better change to have a decent year,” said Williams.

For the time being, warming temperatures are pushing producers to tap in early February, making for potentially longer and more profitable seasons.

But warming temperatures pose other problems that can threaten production. Droughts and pests can kill saplings and productive trees, less snow exposes bare roots, and late frosts in spring can kill leaf buds.

So, while warming temperatures may be a bonus in the short-term, it could spell disaster for the industry's future. 

“As long as we we stay with some of those cooler temperatures, we can still have a have a great season,” said Williams.

Listen to the full interview with John Williams on The Sam Laprade Show below.