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On the Farm

Maple Sugaring 2012 update

Published by bill on Tue, 03/06/2012 - 13:30

As I write this, it’s a sunny day, but only 28 degrees out here in Charlemont. Because of that, we’ll see no sap run today. However, the weather in February has been absolutely perfect for sugaring, with daytime temps in the low 40s and nighttime ones in the low 20s, and we made about 30% of a normal crop in that month alone. Whether such extremes are due to global climate change or just natural variation is a question, but it is pretty clear, that ideal conditions for sugaring have tended to occur earlier and earlier over the past 100 years.

Early Sugaring season Ahead?

Published by bill on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 09:58

Everyone has been asking us lately about what effect this relatively mild winter might have on maple sugaring this year. After over 40 years of sugaring experience, we are convinced that what has transprired so far, will have no real effect, as surprising as that might seem. The reality is that a good sugaring season can happen after warm winters, really cold winters, snowy winters of non -snowy winters. The real issue becomes the weather durint the actual season.

What's New in 2010

Published by bill on Wed, 08/04/2010 - 15:40

Sugaring came early in 2010, matching a trend that we have noticed for many years of earlier and earlier sap flow. We were tapped early (by Feb 22), and were able to collect sap from those early runs. It’s fortunate that we did, because the season sort of petered out as we got further and further into March, the normal peak sugaring time.  In spite of the odd season, syrup quality was good and we ended up with a decent year.

2008 Blue Heron Farm Updates

Published by bill on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 15:03

Sign announcing Wasilla, AlaskaAlthough we are rarely able to get away from the farm for prolonged periods, we were fortunate to be able to take a trip to Alaska in May. The trip (University business for Bill) saw us flying to Anchorage, and then taking the Denali Star train up to Fairbanks. The train trip took twelve hours, and provided fantastic views out every window.

2006 Happenings at Blue Heron Farm

Published by bill on Sun, 07/09/2006 - 13:23

After a snowy winter and a good sugaring season, 2006 took a turn for the worse with the passing of Bill’s Father, Dante, two and a half months into his 96th year. Dad lived with us here, first in our farmhouse, and then at The Maples, the place we built together in 1999-2000. His obituary ran in his home town newspaper, The Providence Journal. Dad really loved the farm, and we will miss him.

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