We all hope that MV’s wife is doing better. While we wait for word on MV’s wife here is some information on Michigan’s Maple syrup
Maple syrup season lasts only four to six weeks in the early spring when maple trees are dormant (i.e. before leaf buds swell and break open). When daily temperatures start to consistently rise above freezing maple sap begins to push up from the roots into the upper portions of the tree. Best sap flow takes place when temperatures drop below freezing at night, followed by above freezing temperatures during the day. The weather has been very good for this years run.
For most of Michigan March is the heart of maple syrup. Especially in northern lower Michigan. But Michigan is a big state geographically. Consequently, maple syrup producers in southern Michigan usually start tapping maple trees in late February. In contrast, many producers in the Upper Peninsula won’t start until weeks later. But by mid- to late-March nearly all syrup producers are busy.
Average maple syrup production in Michigan is about 90,000 gallons per year. And Michigan ranks 5th in maple syrup production in the United States There are an estimated 500 commercial maple syrup producers in Michigan with some 2,000-additional hobby or home use producers. Michigan law requires that processor of maple syrup must be licensed. Maple syrup is one of the few agricultural crops in which demand exceeds supply. . In an average year, each tap-hole will produce about 10 gallons of maple sap, enough for about a quart of pure Michigan maple syrup. A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and have a diameter of 10 inches before tapping is recommended. . The maple season in Michigan starts in February in the southern counties and runs well into April in the Upper Peninsula. Maple sap becomes maple syrup when boiled to 219 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 degrees above the boiling point of water.
There is a Maple Syrup festival in Shepherd ever year. The town is about 15 miles south of Mount Pleasant. The production of the syrup is a town wide event and if you drive thru this time of the year you will see trees tapped all over the city. The four-day festival is family oriented with many enjoyable activities for all ages. Pancake, maple syrup and sausage meals are served from Friday afternoon through Sunday. The festival features a 10K & 5K Walk/Run, arts & crafts, flea market, three museums, tractor pulls, demolition derby, two parades, quilt show, petting zoo, worship service, plus amusement and pony rides all add up to a most memorable weekend. You’re invited to witness hometown hospitality at its best and join the Shepherd community April 26-29 in the “Sweetest Little Town Anywhere Around”.
Slim
Prayers for your wife MV!
Starting to look promising! Accumulating snow in April! Incredible!
https://www.instantweathermaps.com/GFS-php/conussfc.php?run=2019032518&time=PER&var=ASNOWI&hour=384
I see the in house fighting on how this past cold season and March have gone. Well here are some facts for the past cold season. November had a temperature departure from average of -5.5° there was 14.4” of snow average is 6.8” December was +3.5° and only 3.2” of snow 21.5” is average. January was -2.6° with 30.5” of snow 20.8” is average. February was -1.2° and there was 20.8” of snow 14.8” is average. And for March so far Grand Rapids is -4.1° (it will end up colder then average) and so far there has been 7.9” of… Read more »
Yep! But technically November is not winter.
Note I said during the “cold” season and yes the snow that falls in November is included (along with October, April and May) in the total snow fall. So November 2018 and if any snow falls in April 2019 that snow will be counted in the snow fall totals for 2018/2019
Slim
Ridiculous statement!
Hoping your wife is back home, healthy and happy. Weather wise, we’re placing the cart before the horse. We all know March and April are cold, and windy, with snow. Let’s do ourselves a favor and wait until May, for any chance of improving temps/weather…as usual.
You brig out a good point. In much of Michigan (and the norther great lakes area) it can and will snow in March and April and is not unheard of even in May. Remember most parts of the United States think of the weather we have had this March as winter.
Slim.
I believe April 19th last year we had a winter weather advisory out Yes it can snow in April! I always say real spring warmth starts after May 14th INDY’S birthday the best month of the year!! INDY!
There have been some big snow storms in April in the past
Slim
Currently 36* degrees and sunny out at thee YARDofBRICKS NE GR cool morning outside! INDY!
Hope everything turns out ok MV! Nice job stepping in Slim! I’ve noticed a lot of syrup buckets out on peoples trees the past week or two.
MV prayers for you & your wife. I hope she is doing much better today. Don’t worry about us here. You both get better and back on your feet.
It looks like March will end up as another month of below average snowfall! I love the short winters.
Short lived winter it’s been pretty cold this month being a week away from April! INDY!
The shovels and snow blowers are away. Winter has been over for a while!
Prayers for MV’S wife I hope all is well!! INDY!
Good morning MV’S best nother January like cool morning out at thee YARDofBRICKS NE GR made it down to 26* degrees cold enough to snow speaking of snow I’m going to to clear the record for the last time hopefully this will help out kind of like putting on our big boy pants lol! I shoved snow for 2 months straight where above normal Snowfall fell in GR for the winter season plenty of Winter storms had some great ice fishing and now guess what it’s all gone just a muddy brown ground out at thee YARDofBRICKS let’s hope we… Read more »
Still waiting on that snow today… Yesterday’s high temp was also way above average. Who knew?
I packed away the winter gear yesterday and “summerized” the snowblower for the season. A little earlier than usual, but I figure if we do get any white stuff, it will melt quickly.
Heck yes all my snow shovels and snowblower put way back in the basement! Fired the the rider up yesterday push mower is ready garden shovel is out have a bag of salt left I believe this winter I bought more sidewalk salt then ever lol..Let’s work on getting the furnace off now ..INDY!
Praying. GR hit 56 degrees yesterday! What happened to the snow Rocky and Indy were predicting for today?! Whoops!
Predicting snow today?? From the guy or gal who said way back in mid February all the snow cover was gone in GR lol..Again we reached our above Snowfall in GR it’s all done now and 50*s should happen in March it’s just terrible we had to wait to the end of March..INDY!
Yes. Here’s your post from last week if you forgot. I’m glad you decided to put away your snow shovel since then:
And now the GFS model is showing some good snow over central Michigan on Monday with a pretty good cold front that stahl’s all over the state I would not put the snow shovel away just yet ….INDY!!
Ok that would be what the GFS showed what’s your point ? I’m not the GFS model lol…INDY!
It is typical mookie spin and lies. He lies more than a politician! Now that is bad.