NY Maple Syrup Production Down From 2011

Albany, NY (WIBX) - Maple syrup producers were left with a bitter taste in their mouth, as this year's production numbers were well off last year's pace.

According to the USDA's New York Field Office, manufacturers made an estimated 360,000 gallons of syrup, down 36 percent from last year's total of 564,000 gallons.

Many maple producers blame the poor yields on warmer than average temperatures, cutting the season from 32 days last year, down to 24. One stretch of summer-like weather during March caused an early budding of maple trees. Combined with colder  temperatures in April, the season was shortened substantially.

Still, New York had the second highest syrup yield in 2012, outpaced only by Vermont.