The dry conditions experienced in New Brunswick last year resulted in a decrease in groundwater levels, raising concerns among maple harvesters about the potential impact on this year’s maple syrup yield.
The combination of reduced rainfall and higher-than-normal temperatures in 2025 led to wells and streams drying up in several areas.
David Briggs, the owner of Briggs Maples in Hillsborough, explained that diminished groundwater and sunlight levels could hinder photosynthesis in maple trees, ultimately affecting sap production. However, he noted that increased heat can boost sugar production in the trees.
Briggs speculated that the maple syrup this year might be sweeter due to more sunlight but possibly in lesser quantity due to the lack of rainfall. He emphasized the complexity of factors influencing maple syrup production, making it challenging to predict the outcome accurately at this stage.
He pointed out the difficulty in estimating sap production by visual inspection of the trees, expressing hope that future scientific advancements might offer a solution to this uncertainty.
In response to the water scarcity, residents in the region resorted to deeper drilling of wells, with some facing dry wells in 2025, according to Briggs.
While acknowledging the likelihood of a similar groundwater situation at his maple farm, Briggs mentioned the impossibility of confirming this without further assessment.
He highlighted the role of the freeze-thaw cycle in sap extraction, noting the inconsistent temperatures attributed to climate change. Briggs observed the impact of milder winters and sporadic warm periods during winter on sap flow and eventual yield.
The changing seasons have also influenced the timing of tapping maple trees, with harvesting now commencing as early as mid-February compared to the traditional start in March, as mentioned by Briggs.
Briggs emphasized the importance of timely tapping and readiness as sap begins to flow with rising temperatures.
Jane Scott, the co-owner of Dumfries Maples near Nackawic, noted a significant decline in water levels in streams on her farm due to the unusually low water levels experienced during the previous summer.
Concerns arose about the potential impact on the upcoming maple season at her family’s maple farm, where they have been in the business for over 25 years. Scott also remarked on the changing nature of the maple season, acknowledging that the impact of the drought on the crop will only be evident at the end of the season.
Despite the uncertainty, Scott expressed hope that the drought would not adversely affect their maple syrup production but admitted to some lingering concerns.