Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation Workshop

The Cornell Small Farms Program is pleased to invite small-scale farmers, earth tenders and earth workers to a Shiitake mushroom cultivation workshop at Hawk Meadow Farm in Trumansburg, NY.  We welcome mushroom enthusiasts of all backgrounds, identities and stages to join us for this hands-on, comprehensive introduction led by expert, Steve Sierigk. In addition to a hands-on segment of mushroom log inoculation, the workshop will provide insights into the logistical and economic aspects of managing a shiitake mushroom enterprise, including log yard design, pest management, humidity regulation, and seasonal rhythms influencing mushroom productivity.

In this workshop we will cover the basics of outdoor cultivation of shiitake mushrooms on logs in a natural woodland setting.  These production techniques result in the highest quality shiitake that can be produced.  These principles can be applied to many other wood digesting mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane and Oyster.  We will cover tree species selection, sourcing supplies such as inoculum strain selection (myceliated sawdust) and necessary tools. We will also discuss the best management practices for outdoor cultivation of wood digesting mushrooms.  Also discussed will be marketing and the finances behind natural log production.  Participants will have the opportunity to tour our production yards where you can see the principles of production in action.  This form of agriculture is perfect for anyone wanting to incorporate their woodlands into applied agroforestry. We will leave plenty of time for questions.