From initial results, it looks like this spring's production of maple syrup in Wisconsin is more than last year's results.
Early each spring, producers fan out to maple stands in the state to collect sap that eventually turns into one of Wisconsin's top cash crops.
Theresa Baroun is Executive Director of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association. She says this spring has been favorable for better than average results starting with her land near DePere...
"We are about 100 gallons above our crop from last year. The syrup quality has been great this year. Up near the Luck area, they're averaging a 60 percent crop, the northern area by Medford area, they're at a 50 percent crop...it's actually been a pretty good season..."
Baroun says while the weather this spring helped, the wet fall put more moisture in the ground, upping the chance of more sap in the trees. She says early in March they were able to begin activities with an event in Manitowoc prior to the coronavirus spreading in the state.
Baroun says the industry enjoys having events to promote the product, but producers have changed to continue to get their products to people who want them...
"More online sales is where they're marketing it. We are essential businesses. People are still producing. A lot of people have changed how that works, you know, when it comes to the open houses and all that..."
Baroun says many of the producers were able to keep working because their production facilities are woods on their own properties.
She says while people like the taste, the syrup also is nutritious. Wisconsin remains one of the nation's leading producers of maple syrup.
