Minn. Syrup Producers Worried About Warmer Weather

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Some maple syrup producers in central Minnesota are worried that last weekend's warm-up could affect production.

Temperatures were near 70 degrees over the weekend.

"Everybody calls it really nice weather, but when it gets into maple season, that's not a good thing," Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers Association President Stu Peterson said.

He says 50 degree temps in the day, and 20 degree lows at night, are ideal for syrup operations.

"Sap runs as a result of freezing and thawing within the tree," Peterson said.

He says warmer temperatures during the sap run's peak mean more mold and bacteria growth. And once buds appear on trees, the sap takes on an off-taste.

The sap run typically begins in earnest around March 20.