Magoffin County, Kentucky, has vast forested areas and an agricultural heritage, yet many residents lack knowledge about alternative farming opportunities like mushroom cultivation. With increasing interest in sustainable agriculture and economic diversification, educating the local community on mushroom farming can provide food security, business opportunities, and environmental benefits. It also allows residents to utilize wooded areas on their properties to provide a food source for their families. 

To address this gap, a Mushroom Log Workshop was conducted, providing hands-on training in mushroom cultivation techniques. The program focused on log inoculation methods, proper care for mushroom growth, and proper harvesting/ storing methods. Participants then inoculated their own mushroom logs with shiitake mushroom spawn and were able to take them home in hopes of a fruitful harvest next year. 

We had 39 participants join us for our mushroom log workshop, including 21 females and 18 males. It is a great family activity and there were 10 children present for the workshop as well. 

All participants reported an increased understanding of mushroom cultivation and interest in starting or expanding mushroom production. Two participants reported that they plan to sell their mushrooms at the Magoffin County Farmers' Market.