Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshop at Garden Gate Farm

Looking for a low-cost way to diversify your farm's specialty crop production and income stream? Shiitake mushrooms can fetch premium prices at markets, restaurants, through CSAs, or even wholesale, depending on scale. However, using the right species of wood/log is critical, as is sourcing high-quality "spawn", using the proper technique to inoculate, and providing the correct environment for logs, once inoculated. 

 

Join us for a hands-on inoculation workshop to learn how to cultivate one of the world’s most popular edible mushrooms right on your farm.

 

 

Led by Nick Frillman, University of Illinois Extension Local Foods & Small Farms Educator, this workshop is specifically geared toward small farmers looking to try their hand at shiitake mushroom production using outdoor log cultivation—a tried-and-true technique with roots going back over 1,000 years. Members of the public are also invited and more than welcome to attend. Shiitake mushrooms can be grown easily on logs in a backyard for family production as well.

 

 

You’ll get to practice inoculating logs on-site, and take one log as a proof-of-concept. This system requires minimal space and minimum to moderate labor once set up, and can yield mushrooms for several years.

 

Cost to attend: $10, which covers supplies and materials for the workshop

Logistics:

Please wear close-toed shoes and pants—we’ll be moving heavy logs and using hot wax.
This program will be RAIN OR SHINE! There will be no rain date/backup date for the program. Can take place outdoors or indoors if need be.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own NA beverage of choice if desired.

There are restrooms on site FYI, and they are handicap-accessible. NOTE the shed where program will be hosted is also wheelchair-accessible. 

Please plan to show up to the farm address 10-15 minutes before the workshop start time of 5:30PM so we can begin on time.

NOTE: children are welcome to attend with parents - just have them wear closed toed shoes and pants as well!

About Our Hosts:

Beth and Doug Rinkenberger own and operate Garden Gate Farm, a diversified vegetable and livestock operation in Fairbury, Illinois, specializing in Thanksgiving turkeys among other ventures.