Southern Quebec maple syrup producers fear a short season

It's production time for Quebec maple syrup producers, but some in the southern part of the province worry their season will be shorter than usual because of higher-than-average temperatures.

The ideal conditions for maple syrup require below-freezing temperatures at nightand then above zero temperatures during the day.

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However, it hasn't been freezing every night, and the forecast for next week predicts even warmer temperatures.

Sap hasbeen running from treesat Hilltop Sugarbush in Dunham, Que., but staff say it's significantly warmer than it was last year.

"It hasn't frozenhard, so we don't get as much sap as we're supposed to," said employee Kevin Ten Eyck.

Ten Eyck says they haven't had trouble producing their syrup, but next week's balmy forecast is causing some stress.

"It worries you when you see the temperature not freezing at night," he said.