Interview: Jake Moser talks Maple Weekend, 2023

New York State Maple Syrup production reached a record high 845,000 gallons last-year.

That's according to the office of Governor Kathy Hochul. “Maple production in New York is thriving as the industry continues to set records and ranks second in the nation in this sweet crop,” Governor Hochul said.

“I thank our producers who work hard to make the delicious, innovative, and unique maple products we all enjoy, and encourage all New Yorkers to take part in Maple Weekends this month to sample some of the world-class items that local vendors have to offer.”

Speaking of which, Maple Weekend will be observed this year statewide March 17-19 and 25-26.

In addition to its ranking for maple production, New York is also home to the largest resource of tappable maple trees within the United States and more than 2,000 maple sugar makers, the Governor's Office said.

Furthermore in 2022, New York’s maple industry used 2.9 million taps, tying 2021’s record for the largest number of taps used in a single year.

Although maple syrup crops are well known in a few other states, such as Vermont, Lewis County and the North Country has carried on a reputation for generations of having some of the best produced maple syrup there is.

"The joy of Lewis County is that we have a very diverse way of collecting (sap)," said Jake Moser. When he's not at the Clerk's Office, he has his own maple producing business - 'Moser's Maple.' 

"If you want to search locations, you can go to Maple Weekend.com and search by area, search by name and there are little fun facts of each participating maple producer."

Listen to our latest on-air coverage with Jake Moser for more details:

Here are the participating Lewis County producers this year:

Images via Lewis County Maple Producers Association. 

Maple weekend is a chance for the public to come to the farm and learn about New York’s maple sugarmaking processes and traditions and to provide a chance to taste pure maple syrup in its many forms – right from the source.

This event is organized and sponsored by the New York State Maple Producers’ Association and funded by both members and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Maple Weekend first began in 1995 as a single “Maple Sunday”. 2023 is the 27th year of an event that now officially spans 4 days on 2 weekends.

Headline image via Maple Weekend New York State.