Snow continues to pile up in the woods here in the St.Croix River Valley.  With the absence of sub-zero temperatures and a deep frost, the maple season could be upon us quickly. The spring snowmelt and river break up is coming earlier than than it has 20 to 30 years ago.  Snowmelt. and spring thaws used to be late March and early to mid April and now we see an early to mid March snow melt and river ice breakup. Maple season from my records typically begins in the St. Croix River Valley around March 15.   I had to adjust my thinking when I missed a major sap run the week of March 1st several years ago. If I had to choose a  two week period of the best sap runs it would be the last week of March and the first week of April.   The whole point of this is to be ready to go with all the wood, supplies and evaporator setup completed by March 1.   Warm weather and the absence of frost could result in an early sap run this year

I hope all of you are enjoying the January months, the days are getting longer!!  Don’t forget the 5% of cash and carry sale February 5-8.  I have a complete stock of most maple syrup supplies and some small evaporators in stock..  See you all soon.

Don

We have started the  new year with snow ON the ground and no frost IN the ground.  I have had several reports that the woods are extremely muddy from all the fall rains and and an early November snowfall. No frost may indicate  early sap runs in March rather than later which has been my experience. No frost in the ground is problematic because extreme muddy conditions will exist for the entire maple season.  Several have solved this issue by installing 3/16 inch tubing where there is a slope to the land surface and gravity is used to move sap to a road or trail.

The Roth Sugar Bush  5 % off cash and carry sale is scheduled for the February 5-8.  I will be having 5% off during that time as well.   This is a good time to stock up on glass, taps and bags as well as equipment.

The new Venturi evaporator is in its second year.  These evaporators are awesome and in stock supply is limited.   They are expected to sell-out so if you were thinking of one, now would be the time to get an instock one.   I will give 5% off any order of a Venturi Evaporator right now.  Delivery time for orders is 4- 6 weeks, thus waiting for the sale in February may be too late.

Have a prosperous and safe New Year.

Don Hansen

Dons Sugar Shack.

The price of Chinese made sap sack holders and taps have increased 30 percent this year because of tariffs coming into the US.

The Sap sack holders are now $3.85,  5/16″  aluminum taps are $1.85 and bags  are  $0.30 each or .25 if you buy 250 of them.    Another option would be to purchase  my used 4 gallon galvanized or 3 gallon Aluminum buckets with a new 5/16 plastic bucket tap and lid. The bucket, lid and tap setup would cost $7.00  vrs $6.00 for the sap sack holder, tap, and bag.

I know it $1.00 more for the bucket set up,   but I have never seen a squirrel or chipmunk chew through a galvanized or aluminum bucket  or  seen wind or ice break a bucket.  Anyway its something to consider when you are thinking of adding more taps.  Buckets do need to be rinsed out every year which is a down side, however you will not have to buy bags every year and you will keep the plastic out of the land fills.

Happy Holidays,

Don