Mild winter a boon for NY maple-syrup makers

Salem, New York

SNOWMOBILE sales have sputtered, ski resorts are struggling and some bait shops, which rely heavily on ice fishing, can barely afford to keep their lights on. But an exceptionally mild winter in the northern stretch of New York state has been a boon for an industry that sweetens the morning pancakes.

Maple syrup production is off to one of its earliest starts ever, setting the stage for what could be a long and record-breaking season. "Last year we …