The sap continues to run

TIGERTON - This year the state's sturdy sugar maples have acted more like geysers than leaky faucets.

"Yeah, that's kind of what it is," said Rosanne Marquardt. "It's not just dripping out, it's running out, not like other years."

"I'd say this is probably the best year we've had in all the while we've tapped," said John Marquardt.

John Marquardt has been tapping his trees around Tigerton about the last 20 years. He says the combination of freezing nights, and days hovering around 40 degrees have meant a steady stream of sap. And about a week ago that meant setting a record for his farm.

"We collected 1,100 gallons with two guys collecting in less than three hours," said John.

And that means some good profits in an uncertain economy. Industry experts say syrup has been in short supply recent years, equating to steady high prices even today.

"I think the prices are going to stay right up there," said Gretchen Grape, the executive director of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association. "The people I've been talking to are selling gallons between $35-$45 a gallon."

It takes about 35-40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup. And experts say the syrup being produced is also of a higher quality than in years past because of the constant running.

"The sap has been high in sugar content and making really good syrup," said Grape.

"Most of the syrup this year was a much lighter, medium amber color," said Rosanne.

Quite literally liquid gold for the Marquardts and the hundred or so other syrup producers around Wisconsin.

Producers expect the sap to run just a few more days. Wisconsin ranked number four last year in syrup production, behind Vermont, New York, and Maine.