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Gypsy Moth aka LDD Caterpillars

This has been a tough year for trees. On top of drought conditions, Gypsy moth caterpillars, also known as Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD) caterpillars, have been defoliating trees throughout our region, including Northern New York, Vermont, and Southern Canada. Our St. Lawrence County Extension garden hotline , “the Growline” (SLCGrowline@gmail.com) has received many calls and emails from homeowners distressed at the damage they are witnessing. Some have sprayed with little or no effect as the caterpillars munch their way through their ornamentals and large shade trees. 

The situation may seem dire, but the six Master Gardener Volunteers who serve as Growline moderators have distilled some great resources that can help us understand and manage the LDDs this year and in future years. This article covers the background and life cycle of this invasive species, tips for dealing with caterpillars and egg masses, and how to support affected trees through this stressful time.

Timeline

LDD caterpillar populations rise in years with mild winters and dry springs, and decline in wetter years due to a fungus called Entomophaga maimaiga that can spread through the population and keep them in check. Our current “moderate drought” and rising winter temperatures have played a major role in the current outbreak which began in 2019, grew in 2020, and is set to exceed 2020’s damage this summer. Despite this fungus, viruses and many other natural enemies, significant outbreaks have occurred in 1985, 1991 and 2002. Read more Gypsy Moth aka LDD Caterpillars

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June Fruition Showcase

Are you one of the 600+ viewers who saw the June Fruition Local Food Showcase online? It’s an amazing time of year for food grown or made in our region and our livestream shines a spotlight on three unique food producers each month.

The June edition featured Daniel Martin of Martin’s Farmstand in Potsdam, Matt Martin of M & M Eggs in Massena, and Alicia & Josh Taillon of The Blue House in Madrid.

Martin’s Farmstand

Daniel and Mendy Martin started with a you-pick berry patch in 1998 and now, 20+ years later, has a full complement of items from their homegrown vegetables to meat, maple and more sourced from other area growers they know and trust. In our conversation, Daniel elegantly explained how a food system only works if both the growers AND the eaters are dedicated to each other. We created a snippet of his interview. Learn more about their family business here.

Visit Martin’s for a well-stocked local food shopping experience.
Martin’s grow the most perishable crops on site, such as strawberries and lettuce so they are at their freshest, while sourcing from other growers to increase their selection at the stand.
M & M Eggs

“When we buy birds we look for some of the best flocks in the United States and get the best genetics we possibly can,” shares Matt Martin. M & M Eggs’ pride and passion is conserving chicken breeds that are in danger of disappearing Read more June Fruition Showcase

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Questions to Ask When Choosing an eCommerce platform

Have you considered adding an eCommerce platform as a sales channel for your small business? Perhaps you’re eager to reach new customers or have better online visibility. There are many moving parts to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform that best suits you and your products. Thankfully, there are many resources to help get you started. 

We like the chart developed by the CSA Innovation Network because it takes a very complicated landscape of choices, and helps entrepreneurs clarify their needs. Once you’ve done that, it’s possible to eliminate platforms that don’t achieve your goals. Researching the answers to these questions will set you well on the path to finding a solid eCommerce solution for you.

(chart found through thelandconnection.org, click chart to zoom)

If you enjoyed this chart, check out the Farmer to Farmer Exchange eCommerce Platforms Report.

Deciding on a platform for your business can be daunting, but the Local Foods team at CCE St. Lawrence County can help to point you in the right direction. Stay tuned to learn more about the new Ag and Food Producers Academy we are offering this winter which will cover business development and marketing skills.

Lauren grew up in neighboring Vermont exploring and loving the green mountains and vast landscapes. Her undergraduate degree made her appreciate the communities that surround local foods and a Master’s Certificate in Food Studies from the University of Southern Maine made her want to pursue a career in the food system. In 2021 and 2022, she was the Local Foods Marketing and Development Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.