Adam Wild

Director, Uihlein Maple Research Forest

Adam Wild, director of Cornell University’s Uihlein Maple Research Forest and co-director of the Cornell Maple Program, says a long, cold winter sets up ideal conditions for maple sap flow. With gradual thaws, research-backed innovations, and new chilling methods, producers in New York are poised for another strong maple syrup season.

Wild says:

“As we start to slowly climb out of the deep freeze the Northeast experienced this winter, maple producers are gearing up for another sweet run of maple sap to turn into maple syrup. The long cold winter could be great for maple production, but a quick warmup and early spring would bring poor yields for maple producers.

“Maple production in New York and across the entire maple producing region continues to be strong despite more sporadic winters and quick thaws. Although many in the Northeast are lamenting the cold days and longing for warm weather, for maple syrup production a gradual thaw from winter is best. Daytime temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s (Fahrenheit), paired with freezing temperatures at night, create ideal conditions for strong maple sap flow.

“Much of the growth in production is driven by producers tapping more trees and increasing yield per tree, thanks to research-backed improvements such as better tap sanitation, optimized spout size, and vacuum at the tap hole. These innovations have helped producers adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

“Another area maple producers have had to adapt to is managing sap during sudden temperature spikes in the maple season. When temperatures reach 50 F or higher, sap can spoil quickly, affecting syrup quality. Recent work at Cornell University has developed low-cost methods to help producers chill sap and prevent spoilage.”