Abnormally warm Canadian weather could lead to record maple syrup season

[JBoy]

http://www.vancouversun.com/Abnormally+warm+Canadian+weather+could+lead+record+maple+syrup+season/2667828/story.html

OTTAWA — Maple syrup producers are getting a sweet surprise this year, with one of the earliest seasons on record.

Canada, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of the world's maple syrup supply, saw production surge in 2009, with yields up 85.7 per cent from 2008, according to Statistics Canada.

The country produced 9.1 million gallons (41.3 million litres) of maple syrup in 2009, up 4.2 million gallons (19.09 litres) over 2008, and with a gross value of $353.8 million. Producers are expecting another record year in 2010, with even warmer weather than last year.

"This is the first time we've seen anything like this in 20 years of business," said Gisele Proulx of the Proulx Sugar Bush and Berry farm in a rural part of Ottawa. "We've seen it get warm in February and then freeze again, but we've never seen it get warm and stay warm like this."

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[daleo]

1. It wasn't abnormally cold where I live

In fact, it was a pretty slack winter. Mind you, we don't have maple trees either.

[HeresyLives]

2. Yup, really nice winter.

Pretty much warm and sunny the whole time.