The lower the fuel cost to convert sap into syrup, the more that sap is worth. Total fuel/electricity cost per gallon of syrup produced Furthermore, it requires less time and fuel to process higher sugar content sap into syrup, so the fuel cost per gallon of syrup also falls as sap sugar content increases. The higher the sugar content of the sap, the more syrup that can be produced from that sap. I have included it as an additional worksheet on the ‘sap buying’ file that is available for downloading on variables that go in to the analysis are presented below: To make it easier, I have developed an Excel-based calculator where you can input values for a number of variables and the spreadsheet determines the value of a gallon of sap. This article addresses how you can determine the value of sap you collect and process yourself. However, when you are boiling the sap yourself, the math can get a little more complicated. All you need to do is take the price you are paid for the sap and subtract out the transportation costs. So how do you determine the value of your own sap? If you are selling it to another producer, it is quite easy. The sap you collect may be worth more or less, depending on a number of different factors. This was an essential step to conduct the economic analyses. Furthermore, we determined that the sap that the Parkers collect is worth about $0.50 per gallon to them. Note that these data were specific to the Parkers operation and those distinct sugarbushes during those years- the results could (and likely will be) different when implemented in a different sugarbush in a different year.Īlso note that there are many factors that can impact sap yield, so just replacing droplines or using a certain type of spout won’t necessarily give you the same results. Table 2 focuses on the economic implications of replacing droplines and using different types of spouts. Peter has graciously agreed to reprint Table 2 in its entirety, so if you had trouble following the analysis of the Parker research article due to the missing info on the table, refer to the original Table 2 for a more thorough explanation. Table 2 (on next page) presented a summary of the results from seven distinct sugarbushes over a 3 year time frame, but unfortunately the table was cut off in the printing process. In the previous issue of The Maple News, I submitted an article summarizing the research carried out by the Parker Family Maple Farm comparing the differences in their yields and profitability when utilizing different combinations of spouts and droplines. Parker Family Maple Farm, yield, profitability, spouts, sugarbush, vacuum, UVM Proctor Center, sap buying, sap,
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