Local Farm Classes
Being a Farmer Means You Never Stop Learning
Shittake mushrooms on Grow Bags
Sarah and I got the opportunity to travel across the Mountains into North Carolina for a mushroom growing class recently. The class was held on the farm of Haw River Mushrooms located in beautiful Saxapahaw. Saying the city’s name is almost as enjoyable as the scenic drive to and from this rural Appalachian town.
Hardwood logs await inoculation at Haw River Mushrooms
The purpose of the class was to learn how to grow mushrooms passively on hardwood logs outdoors. We received some valuable hands on learning experience. Laura, the owner and class instructor, went over the nuances that go into choosing a proper wood substrate, and taught us how to drill, implant and seal our logs. Then we went home with 4 logs that we personally inoculated to set up in our garden for harvest. Laura also gave us a tour of her whole operation, and explained the back story of how she and her husband Ches became full time farmers.
Sarah applies inoculant after drilling holes in log
Drew applies wax to seal the inoculated log
In my opinion, this was the perfect small-scale farm course. I was able to purchase two inexpensive tickets to tour a working farm, meet the owner operators, and bring something I labored over back home with me to harvest on my own. It was extremely educational, and a fine way to spend a Saturday. The four logs we inoculated with Lions Mane, Blue Oysters, and Shiitake have found a cozy spot behind our now hibernating pollinator garden. While it may take 6-12 months for a mushroom to first show up on a log, we will get at least 4 years of passive production off of each one. Plus, I have found suspense and anticipation to be the best seasoning for garden goodies.
Lions Mane mushrooms grow on Grow Bags
Blue Oyster mushrooms on Grow Bags
Many successful farmers in your local area do courses like these on their own centerpiece enterprises. Attending these courses or tours affords you the opportunity to educate yourself on where your food comes from, the challenges and advantages your area’s land offers, and most importantly who your food producers are.
Grow bags line the shelves at Haw River Mushrooms
If you do not think any farm classes exist in your area, which I doubt, call a local producer and ask for a personal tour. They most likely would love to show you the work they do on a daily basis. Ask lots of questions on what they do and why. No question is stupid. Laura and Ches were able to tailor the answers to questions from those with no fungal knowledge, to class attendees who were looking to start their own operations. You can bring your whole family, or make it a date night. It would be a good goal for next year for everyone to support their local producers by attending 2 or 3 local farm tours or classes.
By Drew Wilson, USARAAI Farm Campus Manager
