DEPEYSTER— Milkweed Tussock Tubers, the Depeyster root farm established in 2016, is making strides in local agriculture.

Catherine Bennett, lead farmer of MTT, has become St Lawrence County's only grower of certified disease-free potatoes.

With the assistance of a grant from the Adirondack North Country Association in 2020, she doubled production, growing fifteen tablestock varieties and three for seed. Now certified by the New York State Seed Improvement Project, she is selling purple Peruvian, papa cacho and upstate abundance seed spuds.

Unique in her focus on endangered potato varieties, Bennett is also saving the tubers of Fred Ashworth, local plant breeder, from disappearing, along with establishing native root crops for future use.

This year, Bennett hopes to improve the efficiency of her bird-friendly haying practices with the purchase of an Ibex mini round baler and related equipment.

She has launched a crowdfunding campaign - the Milkweed Tussock Tubers Haymaker Challenge - through Indiegogo. Interested parties can learn more at https://igg.me/at/mtthaymakerchallenge.

Those wishing to order seed potatoes can call 315-777-7245, email milkweedtussocktubers@gmail.com, or write to 1190 St Hwy 184, Heuvelton, NY 13654.