Other Ag News: Opportunities to Gather Together and Learn about Agroforestry this Month

As we head into the busy summer season, Cornell Small Farms is excited to announce the start of our extensive lineup of summer workshops focused on agroforestry, forest farming, and specialty crop production. Join us throughout June to explore topics including shiitake mushroom cultivation, woodland mushroom management, American ginseng production, agroforestry practices, and growing seedlings in air-pruned raised beds. 

As interest in regenerative agriculture continues to grow, agroforestry offers practical ways to make productive use of woodlands and underutilized spaces. These upcoming events will introduce participants to production methods that can improve ecological resilience while creating new opportunities to diversify their income. 

The workshops combine hands-on learning with research-based instruction through collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension, university educators, and industry specialists. These events are designed for beginning farmers, woodland owners, gardeners, and anyone interested in forest food systems. If you are looking to grow mushrooms and specialty crops, or integrate more trees into your land for additional income or personal use, join us to learn more and connect with others.

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Friday, May 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Interested in learning how to start and maintain mushroom logs? Join us at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County for a hands-on workshop inoculating mushroom logs while learning how to care for them all year long. Led by our Specialty Mushrooms project lead Connor Youngerman, this event is designed for both beginners and mushroom enthusiasts looking to expand their cultivation skills. A limited number of bolts are available for purchase ($20) at the time of registration. Learn more and register.

Friday, June 12 , at 5:30 p.m. to Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m.

Want to learn more about mushroom cultivation, foraging wild edible plants, or agroforestry? Join us at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County for a two-day educational event series exploring forest-based growing systems and farm diversification strategies. Featuring educators and presenters from the Cornell Vegetable Program, Niagara County Master Gardeners, and the Cornell Small Farms Program, this event will combine presentations and hands-on workshops focused on mushroom cultivation, edible plant identification, and sustainable agroforestry practices. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Learn more and register.

Tuesday, June 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Interested in forest farming or alternative woodland income opportunities? Join us for an educational webinar led by Tracey Testo, CCE Columbia-Greene Agroforestry Educator. This session will guide you through each step of the production process, including instructions on how to identify a good growing site, plant and harvest ginseng, and market it to consumers according to current regulations. Learn more and register.

Saturday, June 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Interested in growing your own shiitake mushrooms in a woodland mushroom yard? Join us at Hawk Meadow Farm in Trumansburg, NY, for a hands-on workshop exploring the fundamentals of managing your own collection of shiitake mushroom logs using techniques that apply to most specialty mushrooms including wood-decomposing Lion’s Mane and Oyster. Participants will learn how to select tree species and inoculum strains, identify ideal bolt size and species, inoculate logs and encourage fruiting, optimize production through log stacking, harvest mushrooms, and grade them for quality. The workshop will include a tour of a working mushroom yard where participants can see woodland mushroom production in action. The first 25 registrants will receive one inoculated mushroom log per household to take home. Learn more and register.

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