Maple syrup runs early thanks to mild weather

The moderate weather over the past few days has allowed some Quebec maple syrup producers to start their season and even produce their first syrup.

Serge Beaulieu, president of the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, took advantage of the weather to launch his season in Ormstown in the Montérégie.

He said production got underway on Sunday for several producers in the southwest part of Quebec.

“We are ahead of last year, but it is not unheard of,” he said.

The temperature has been very mild, but it is expected to fall over the next few days. He’s not worried, though: “Quite the contrary. A small chill would be good for production.”

He can’t predict whether this season will be as good as last year, which was exceptional.

On average, each “cut” in Quebec produced 3.4 pounds of syrup, compared with the average 2.4 pounds.