This morning I woke up early and so excited to meet new people and learn about this whole shiitake mushroom process. After about eight cups of coffee I was ready to hit the road. I picked up Jason and we get to this beautiful piece of property, called Taylor Creek Farm about 10am.
The couple that owned the farm, Michelle and Chuck, are awesome. We immediately got a tour of the land. They had built the nicest chicken coop I had ever seen (not that I have seen that many) entirely out of recycled materials. It was really amazing. Then we looked at a few ideal spots for the logs to lay after inoculation. Talked about different approaches to grass fed cattle, genetically modified foods, and the ideal way to provide for your family.
These people knew what they were doing and weren't playing around. From building a greenhouse to mixing their own soil, they already had a good lead on the upcoming year's crops.
After a few other people arrived we were ready to begin this inoculation assembly line shiitake party! Melissa and Jacob started drilling the holes, then the log came on down to myself and Michelle where we were the inoculators, then we sent it on down to Jason and Andy who had the official job titles of "the daubers" - then it was time to tag the log with the strain of shiitake and today's date. We ended up doing around 50 logs.
I was surprised at how much we got accomplished in a matter of around 4 hours. It will take on average 6 months to 2 years to have mushrooms. Now let's wait and see......
Jason and I have made some new friends and are continuing to learn about different types of sustainable agriculture. I also just read that Whole Foods, Organic Valley, and Stoneyfield Farms have surrendered to Monsanto. Unless everyone starts learning NOW how to grow your own food and save seeds, what you eat will be completely out of your hands. Be smart - and if you are oblivious to what it takes to grow your own food like me, then get out there and learn!