Maple syrup producers hopeful for promising season
Shaw's Maple Syrup Sugar Bush and Pancake House welcomed some families with a sweet start to their March Break.
The maple syrup season began unusually early this year, and Tom Shaw, the owner of Shaw's Maple Syrup, says it's been one of the best starts he's ever seen.
"We made 200 gallons of syrup in February, which is just unheard of for us. Typically, we would make 10 or 15 gallons in February if we even made any in February," Shaw said.
Shaw is optimistic that this is just the start of a great season and is waiting for the weather to warm up to tap more of the sweet stuff.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
According to John Williams, the executive director of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association, the season looks promising, but it's entirely dependent on the weather.
"Those springs that most people really start to complain about, 'when is it ever going to end,' 'when will it warm up,'" that's perfect for us, and we still have time to have that, especially as we get into this weekend and next week," Williams stated.
The Williams Farm producer in Wyebridge added the amount of sap is dependent on location as much as the weather.
"In the past week, we didn't get any sap at all but operations that have bushes that face south, a lot of them were getting sap flows, but our bushes face north, so we've been slow, but we're really hopeful that we'll still have a good season," Williams said.
Typically, the most considerable volumes of syrup for Williams' operation come at the end of March and the beginning of April, and he's hoping for the same this season.
Meanwhile, both producers are looking forward to Maple Weekend, which begins on April 1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.