Caught! Black Cutworm and True Armyworm Moths Making Their Way into Southwest Ne
Joshua Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Field Crops Specialist, Josh Putman, with the Southwest NY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops program has been monitoring moth captures over the past few weeks. This week, moths were collected from both locations in the region. In Avoca, NY, both moth species were present having 3 cutworm and 1 armyworm. Lower numbers were documented in Springville, NY with only 1 armyworm collected. However, although these numbers may seem low, Field Crops Specialists from the Northwest NY Program documented 24 black cutworm and 10 armyworm in their southern Wyoming County traps this past week. It is important that we continue to monitor these pests so that we can be aware of these economically damaging insects in Southwest NY.
Upcoming Events
Driving Efficiency in Dairy & Exploring the Irish Experience
September 29, 2025
Rock Stream, NY
This workshop series will feature in-depth presentation and discussion led by Dr. Padraig French who is the Head of Livestock Systems and the Dairy Enterprise Leader at Teagasc (the Irish version of USDA). Dr. French will focus on the critical success factors for Irish dairy, which include pasture utilization, labor efficiency and managing for seasonal calving. The discussion will focus on ways that U.S. dairy farmers can use some of the Irish dairy techniques to become more profitable with grass farming.
Silvopasture on a Shoestring
October 7, 2025
Franklinville, NY
Join Joshua Greene, Director of Education at Trees For Graziers, Jonathan Bates, Statewide Agroforestry Educator, and Lynn Bliven, owner of Wild Geese Farm for a full day training event that will include classroom and hands-on sessions. The focus will be on DIY silvopasture projects on small grazing farms. We will address the practical considerations of tree establishment, protection, and maintenance while learning how silvopasture can help address your farm's resource concerns and enhance livestock grazing.
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December 19, 2025
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