By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-973671.mp3
Montpelier, VT – 2.79 million gallons of maple syrup was produced nationwide this spring, topping the previous record of 2.4 million, set two years ago. Vermont led the nation, producing 1.14-million-gallons, surpassing 1 million gallons for the first time since the 1940s. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Statistician Hernan Ortiz says the weather was the key factor leading to the increased sap flow......
Vermont Maple Sugarmakers' Association Spokesperson Catherine Stevens says a number of things worked in producers' favor this year......
The NY office of the Agricultural Statistics Service reports that syrup production in the Empire state increased from 312-thousand gallons in 2010 to 564-thousand gallons - the highest in over 5 decades and the second highest production level in the US. New York State Maple Producers' Association President David Campbell ......
A strong year for maple production is important to the state of Vermont on a number of levels according to the Sugarmakers' Association's Catherine Stevens .....
The number of taps increased five percent in Vermont and nearly six percent in New York this year.