We’ll reciprocate yer enthusiasm – we’re super excited, too! And I’d imagine many in this town would be, too!

How does a date (or set of dates) in September sound? We have a bid on unsprayed straw (perhaps 200 lb.) that was harvested in a mostly undisturbed pasture (should be a good rep. of many grasses, but not wheat). Does this material sound workable? How much money was charged at the 30+ person workshop where participants got some excellent inoculations to take home? Another pair of questions my workshop organizing amigo asked: how much money would you like to make from putting on the workshop? And would you like to do a series, or just one?

Great to hear from you! It warms my heart to know young people like you that are making a difference.

I would be honored to help with workshops for growers. The best times would be spring and fall. Anytime between February and October would work for oyster mushrooms. Extreme temps are best avoided.
The supplies needed:

Organic Straw, preferably wheat and it needs to be mostly mold free. 200 lbs or so would work, but good clean organic straw is a valuable commodity for all growers.

Lawnmower or chopper for the straw.

Food grade metal barrel, gas burner, and a basket for pasteurization.

Clean or new tarp and 1-3 gal bags.

Grain Spawn from a reputable dealer.

I have seen this done in a couple hours for 30 or so people and everyone gets to take some home.

It would be difficult to do anything this spring, but maybe we could shoot for a fall session.
I might be set up with all of the needed tools by then,

Dean

We met at the community garden last summer, and I’ll never forget what you told me — you said you knew I was a “real composter” when I grabbed food scraps and coffee grounds out of the buckets with my bare hands. Haha.

Anyways, I’ve been parsing through yer amazing site, and there’s a helluva lot of knowledge on here you’re sharing. I wonder if you’d still like to hold a workshop for aspiring cultivators . . . when would be a good time of year to host such an event? what supplies would you need? and how much would you, the guru, like to make (it’s my sincere belief that artists should be paid)?

My friends are starting a small farm on the eastern shores of town, conducting research on the irrigated living mulch vegetable cropping systems (one of those beautiful, do-nothing, natural styles of farming) developed in Western Montana. But we’d also love to host a series of workshops for DIYers who want to participate more in the production side of things, as opposed to just consuming local food. Are you interested in such a gig?