Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshop with Down at the Farms
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.
Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshop
Wednesday, April 22nd (Earth Day) - 5:30 to 7:30PM
Hosted at: Down at the Farms Warehouse
23877 East 00 North Rd, Cropsey, IL 61731
Wednesday, April 22nd (Earth Day) - 5:30 to 7:30PM
Hosted at: Down at the Farms Warehouse
23877 East 00 North Rd, Cropsey, IL 61731
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.
Participants will learn:
- What hardwood tree species make the best mushroom logs
- Where and when to source logs and inoculation supplies
- The step-by-step process of inoculating logs with shiitake mushroom spawn
- Best practices of log aftercare that will lead to good mushroom harvests
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: $15, which covers supplies and materials for the workshop, as well as light snacks provided by Down at the Farms staff.
Logistics:
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. Likely will take place indoors in the shop/garage bay.
Refreshments and light snacks will be provided at this event. But participants are encouraged to bring their own NA beverage of choice if desired.
There are restrooms on site FYI.
Please plan to show up to the farm address 10 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:
Down at the Farms is a farm product aggregator business that sells high-quality, farm-fresh products to chefs, grocery stores, cooperatives, and others, which are sourced from over 150 farm operations clustered in Illinois and bordering states.
This program will be RAIN OR SHINE! There will be no rain date/backup date for the program. Likely will take place indoors in the shop/garage bay.
Refreshments and light snacks will be provided at this event. But participants are encouraged to bring their own NA beverage of choice if desired.
There are restrooms on site FYI.
Please plan to show up to the farm address 10 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:
Down at the Farms is a farm product aggregator business that sells high-quality, farm-fresh products to chefs, grocery stores, cooperatives, and others, which are sourced from over 150 farm operations clustered in Illinois and bordering states.