At this time last year, most local syrup producers were finishing up their season, which had been cut all too short thanks to inconsistent temperatures.
But so far this year, the hard work hasn't even started. That's the case at Cory & Rick's Sugar Shack in Antigo.
The syrup producing friends have installed a new system and are eager to try out their newly remodeled facility. The only thing holding them back is the winter weather we're dealing with just days out from the official start of spring.
"We prepare. So when it does let loose were ready and not rushing around. Make sure all the leaks in the tubing are fixed and look around for damage in the woods,” explains Rick Beran.
He says he'd rather have to be patient than only have a two week season like last year.
Beran says it takes at least two days of sunny, 40 degree weather before they can even consider trying to tap their trees. Once that happens he says he prays the weather doesn't get cold again and shut the season down.
Last season, the two harvested 28 thousand gallons of sap. Their goal this years is 100,000 gallon, which is all dependent on the weather.
More Snow, Colder March Should Help Some Crops
