On this Why Ag Wednesday, we celebrate the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States, maple syrup production! Michigan produces on average 60,000 to 70,000 gallons of maple syrup every year.

The maple syrup season in Michigan is typically late February through early April when temperatures are below freezing at nighttime but warm during the day. This causes the sap to flow into the canopy to aid the production of buds during the day then sends it down the to the roots overnight sending the sap past holes drilled in the tree to collect it for boiling. Maple syrup production is a very labor-intensive process; it takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of syrup.

That said, maple syrup is a popular Supervised Agricultural Experience program for FFA members and agriscience programs across Michigan!