Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation Workshop
TRUMANSBURG, N.Y. — Nineteen participants gathered at Hawk Meadow Farm for a hands-on workshop on outdoor shiitake mushroom cultivation, learning techniques for growing mushrooms on logs in a natural woodland setting.Led by Steve and Anne Sierigk, Connor Youngerman, and María José Oviedo Ventura, the workshop covered essential aspects of log-based mushroom production, including tree species selection, sourcing inoculum and tools, and best management practices. Attendees had the opportunity to drill and inoculate logs under expert guidance while also gaining insight into marketing strategies and the financial considerations of small-scale mushroom farming.
The event featured a tour of Hawk Meadow Farm’s production yards, allowing participants to observe the cultivation techniques in practice. Five of the 19 attendees were Spanish-speaking, reflecting the workshop’s inclusive approach to outreach and education.
The workshop was a collaborative effort between the Cornell Small Farms Program’s Climate Smart, Futuro en Ag, and Farm Ops projects, supporting sustainable agroforestry practices for farmers and woodland owners.
