New York’s maple farmers produced more than 700,000 gallons of maple syrup in 2016, a record that can be attributed to warmer-than-normal temperatures, which allowed for an extended season.

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York’s maple production constituted about 16.8 percent of the national total, or about one-sixth of the nation’s output. This year’s increase was up 18 percent from the 601,000 gallons produced in 2015, which held a 70-year record. The number of maple taps also continues to climb, with more than 2.5 million taps in production in 2016, the highest number of taps since 1947, Cuomo’s office said.

The USDA also estimates that the average maple syrup collecting season in New York in 2016 was 36 days, 10 days longer than the previous year, which was limited by harsh winter weather. By comparison, the season was 40 days long on average in 2013.

“Congratulations to the Maple Producers of New York State for once again doing a great job producing the sweet amber liquid our maple trees supply,” NYS Maple Producers' Association President Tony Van Glad said in a prepared statement. “In cooperation with Mother Nature we were able to increase the amount of maple made this year in the state, keeping us number two in the nation, shooting for number one. The NYS Maple Producers' Association is grateful for the support of our legislators and the governor to help us promote and sell this increased production.”

“New York produces some of the best maple syrup anywhere on the globe, a product that remains a key part of this state's agriculture industry,” Cuomo said in the statement. “I congratulate our hard-working maple producers on their sweet success and another recording breaking season.”