Minnesota Maple Syrup Season Accelerates with Unprecedented Early Start

Maple syrup producers in Minnesota have been witnessing an extraordinary early start to the season, with sap beginning to run as early as January 2024. This shift has sparked both excitement and a scramble among local syrup producers, who are now navigating an extended maple syrup season, previously unheard of in the state.

Les Schwartz and his team, operating near Sebeka, Minnesota, began collecting sap in mid-February, marking a significant departure from their usual schedule. “We started about six weeks earlier than last year, and probably three to four weeks earlier than what’s normal,” Schwartz commented. The absence of snow and warmer temperatures have led to an early awakening of the maple woods, with sap flowing much sooner than expected.

The Schwartz family, utilizing a homemade setup, has been diligently working to process the sap into maple syrup, benefiting from an additional month of production. Despite the challenges of a changing climate, the family remains upbeat, enjoying the fruits of their labor and the satisfaction of producing maple syrup under the “Schwartz Sugarbush” label.

This year’s conditions contrast sharply with the previous season, which saw a late start and heavy snowfall. The early onset of sap flow this year has allowed for increased syrup production, with the Schwartz family and other local producers adapting to the unpredictability of the weather.

With about 2,000 gallons of sap already collected from approximately 400 trees, the Schwartz family is on track to produce a significant amount of syrup, capitalizing on the unusual weather patterns. While the sugar content of the early sap has varied, the overall quality of syrup production remains high, with Minnesota and neighboring regions experiencing optimal conditions for maple sap flow.