tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76745871695299707092024-03-18T23:22:49.370-04:00Agroforestry Solutions from Work With Nature, LLCUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-62380422568971687372013-10-16T12:00:00.002-04:002013-10-16T12:00:56.756-04:00Content shifting to www.wellspingforestfarm.comThe <b>Agroforestry Solutions</b> blog content will be discontinued as of October, 2013.<br />
<br />
Instead, fresh blog content can be found on the following websites:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wellspingforestfarm.com/">www.wellspingforestfarm.com</a> (new Farm website with my fiance, Liz)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.farmingthewoods.com/">www.farmingthewoods.com</a> (book I am co-authoring with Ken Mudge<br />
<br />
This website still offers a variety of good archival posts about mushrooms and other agroforestry practices.<br />
<br />
thanks,<br />
Steve<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-82897903141063081172013-03-19T17:23:00.000-04:002013-03-20T13:05:00.375-04:00Local Mushroom Logs for sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s1600/DSC00730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s200/DSC00730.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Agroforestry Solutions is offering for sale inoculated shiitake logs for 2013. Grow you own gourmet mushrooms at home! Logs come ready to go you just set them up in a cool, shady spot. Full instructions included. <br />
<br />
Shiitake logs can be fruited on a reliable schedule with soaking 24 hours in cold water. Each flush produces 1/4 - 1/2 pound of mushrooms or more.Wondering how many to get? <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-many-mushroom-logs-do-i-need.html" target="_blank">SEE THIS POST</a><br />
<br />
All wood was harvested sustainably from forests, where cutting was done to improve forest health.<br />
<br />
<i><b>NOTE: Because of state firewood hauling restrictions logs cannot be sold beyond 50 miles of Mecklenburg, NY. </b></i><br />
<br />
OPTIONS:<br />
<br />
<b>Shiitake</b> (Logs are 4 - 8" in diameter, 36"long)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwlGvBIETTSK44ilf0_tBSUphdTUVCKyNejqsvwRO9uF1V-hKt5TljtNAHte1_Cgg31mFAd_1QO36PGEHOZyKyQ1g4UKniB-fIbCK4pnIY19wFtZkTPLeiuBdHoO2P48UvwxOXZDJlMI/s1600/wixom+658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwlGvBIETTSK44ilf0_tBSUphdTUVCKyNejqsvwRO9uF1V-hKt5TljtNAHte1_Cgg31mFAd_1QO36PGEHOZyKyQ1g4UKniB-fIbCK4pnIY19wFtZkTPLeiuBdHoO2P48UvwxOXZDJlMI/s200/wixom+658.jpg" width="200" /></a>- 2012 (will fruit this year): $20 each, 5 for $80<br />
- 2013 (will fruit next year: $15 each, 5 for $60<br />
<br />
<i>ORDER DEADLINE: April 15th, 2013</i><br />
<br />
Logs will be available for pick up in late April & into May. $25 extra for delivery within 20 miles of Mecklenburg, NY. <br />
<br />
TO ORDER VISIT: <br />
<b>www.agroforestrysolutions.com</b> and click on "products". Dried shiitake also available for $10/oz.<br />
<br />
QUESTIONS?<br />
Email steve@agroforestrysolutions.com or 607.342.2825Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-73565638590960569632013-02-11T13:23:00.000-05:002013-02-11T15:03:16.995-05:00Pattern Languages bridge the gap between theory and practice Every time I come across the
"pattern" topic in the permaculture curriculum I am both compelled
and confused by it. Sure, the cool pictures and "everything is
interconnected" message are appealing in their own right, but I've always
thought that patterns were these mysterious keys that could help unlock the
tools for developing good designs for various systems. Like the weathered but
competent knowledge of an old timer farmer-type, who cannot exactly explain why
he knows this or does that, but it's simply "how things are done.<br />
<br />
<b>The birth of a
concept</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCXBDmieoIhLCpybS08rZU05TzoHJZRd6F2OQJcIw2ASWTVGDMon7KnNVts8ath8FfQRDYriUr0LHRIQFoOnzBn4tvmpynI8_BGjugnmNRHpX-5pBs6svFxzWt3hrzxhbzZ7or3O1CeM/s1600/PL-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCXBDmieoIhLCpybS08rZU05TzoHJZRd6F2OQJcIw2ASWTVGDMon7KnNVts8ath8FfQRDYriUr0LHRIQFoOnzBn4tvmpynI8_BGjugnmNRHpX-5pBs6svFxzWt3hrzxhbzZ7or3O1CeM/s320/PL-book.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<b> </b>Since the publishing of <a href="http://www.patternlanguage.com/" target="_blank"><u>A Pattern Language</u></a> by Christopher Alexander in 1977, a handful of enthusiasts
have taken an appreciation not only to the content of the book, but also the
process by with Alexander and other Architects approached when thinking about
how humans could design better cities. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alexander and his colleagues traveled the globe in search of
patterns, specifically patterns of human settlement, that could be defined as
successful by “making people happy” and improving their experience of a city.
Patterns that repeated themselves became noted and if they appeared universal,
that is, to exist despite cultural, religious, economic, and other differences,
they were declared fit for the publication. </div>
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Thus, Alexander's definition of a
pattern, one that is, "A pattern is a careful description of a perennial
solution to a recurring problem within a building context, describing one of
the configurations which brings life to a building". (Alexander et al,
1977) provided others with a compelling template for future design.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Most compelling about this proposal
is the idea that the individual patterns Alexander and his team observed were
like individual words – and like a language they were flexible in how hey were
used. The idea of assembling the patterns and also noting the connection of one
pattern to a next allows any designer to craft their own language of patterns.
In Alexander’s words:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…a pattern language
is about patterns being like words. They stay the same but can be combined in
different ways like words in a sentence. They can be used as in a network where
one will call upon another (like a neuron network). When you build something
you can put patterns together to form a language. So a language for your house
might have patterns about transitions, light, ceiling height, connecting the
second floor to the ground. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A community might put
together a language including patterns about public and private spaces, cars,
pedestrians and parking. Using languages helps you to visualize and think about
what will really make you comfortable, really comfortable. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good languages are in
harmony with geography, climate, and culture. “</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Alexander’s work is a incredible
testament to the potential to name and articulate these patterns. He and his
team did a rather detailed analysis and assessment in their inquiry, with
several notable features:</div>
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<br /></div>
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1) The scholars traveled the world and looked for patterns
which repeated themselves "across context"</div>
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2) Patterns were rated based on how accurate the authors
believed them to be</div>
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3) Patterns were arranged from larger scale to smaller
scale. Thus a reader could think of patterns on a city-wide scale, down to the
details of light or trim in the room of one building</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pattern Languages
& Permaculture</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The concept parallels Permaculture
thinking, which seeks to observe ecosystem patterns and apply them in landscape
and farm design. In Alexander’s case, he was focused on cities and people's
relationships to the spaces in them. Through this lens he created a complex
network of good ideas & templates for urban planners and architects. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkoy_Ncv3j257hgdER8hlijwWxlgTnIAYMeY6HX2kThQVXinrEInmb5c_lVAxXS9QbpH2bcrcIsnyfDbR50kDMBeQB9SPTNllPKXjgebryZgmepyRbQHGv3n7yaUXT_qZF0nGNOvfSy8/s1600/principle_7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkoy_Ncv3j257hgdER8hlijwWxlgTnIAYMeY6HX2kThQVXinrEInmb5c_lVAxXS9QbpH2bcrcIsnyfDbR50kDMBeQB9SPTNllPKXjgebryZgmepyRbQHGv3n7yaUXT_qZF0nGNOvfSy8/s1600/principle_7.gif" /></a></div>
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Permaculture <a href="http://www.holmgren.com.au/" target="_blank">co-founder David Holmgren</a>, notes a similar benefit to pattern thinking in his book
"Permaculture: Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability"</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Whether we are
designing a garden, a village, or an organization, we need a broad repertoire
of patterns of relative scale, timing, and geometry that tend to recur in
natural and sustainable human systems…</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…Further, we need to
relearn pattern recognition because cultural innovation, especially media
technologies, have scrambled the pattern thinking that was common in
pre-industrial societies. This loss of ability to see, hear, and otherwise
recognize the patterns of nature may be our greatest impediment in our attempt
to adapt to the realities of energy descent…" </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We do indeed have a long way to go
in improving our abilities to see and implement patterns, one of the challenges
being the inherent variability in scale. The principle "Design from
Patterns to Details" which Holmgren propose in the same book always makes
me think of tooling around on Google Earth, where a user can zoom into a site
or landscape feature and with equal ease zoom out to see the large hillside, watershed,
or land base the site is a part of. As farmers and permaculture designers, we
need to hone these skills to the point where we are making decisions about
water systems for our livestock or mushroom log soak tanks while being able to
consider the decision in the context of the landscape hydrology, and larger
network of streams, rivers, and lakes we are a part of. </div>
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<br /></div>
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While individual farmers,
permaculturists, and others may be a ways off from devoting life, as Alexander
did, solely to the pursuit of naming patterns in natural and human-designed
agricultural systems, we can begin at least by naming the common experiences
and observations that support our success. Farmers who cross paths at the local
bar or a conference do this all the time, comparing notes about how they did
this or what they learned from that. We could consider pattern languages for a
number of key systems, for example:<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
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Poultry Forage Systems</div>
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Rotational Grazing of Ruminants</div>
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“Mycoscaping” or Managing Fungus in the Landcape</div>
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Catchment & Storage of Water</div>
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<br /></div>
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And so forth.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
benefit of such an exercise is to help dispel a complex concept or body of
knowledge into more sizable chunks. Or, as Dave Jacke writes in the
introduction to his pattern language, “A Forest Garden Pattern Language,” (<a href="http://www.edibleforestgardens.com/" target="_blank">Edible Forest Gardens</a>, Vol 2, Pg 63)</div>
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<br /></div>
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“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It crystallizes many
issues and ideas….It serves as both a resource for deisgn ideas and
inspiration, and a springboard into the following “how-to” chapters.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pBxZi86MG8rV-E_qMc-25m5zD8iO5X-93hGlDlCX2zrr0K17x8TjGlOYDnWO22_7gUCmLa0i8XSJvS5xgqzd-qN1HAeT4uMdnrx2O6EnKqNRvd7ALvVvi_U6vYyMXWRcxYBP3c7Amsg/s1600/efg_fg_pl_2009.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pBxZi86MG8rV-E_qMc-25m5zD8iO5X-93hGlDlCX2zrr0K17x8TjGlOYDnWO22_7gUCmLa0i8XSJvS5xgqzd-qN1HAeT4uMdnrx2O6EnKqNRvd7ALvVvi_U6vYyMXWRcxYBP3c7Amsg/s320/efg_fg_pl_2009.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visual of Jacke's Pattern Language, by Ethan Roland (click to see larger)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
idea that Pattern Languages offer a template for bridging the gap between
theory and practice is compelling. Or, another way to think of it – how do we
take what we learn from books, teachers, and classrooms and apply it to our
daily grind as we labor on the landscape? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
maps, sketches, and notations that are part of successful design of systems are
also well supported by Pattern Languages, which offer a checklist against
design work. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More
recently, a second pattern language emerged via Peter Bane, a Permaculture
designer and teacher who wrote <a href="http://www.newsociety.com/Books/P/The-Permaculture-Handbook" target="_blank"><u>The Permaculture Handbook</u>.</a> Peter’s
language is named “A Garden Farming Pattern Language” and offers “an aid to
designing Permaculture systems on urban and suburban properties and for the
creation of garden farms at whatever distance from city centers.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Both
Jacke and Bane’s languages offer some templates for future language
development: they both arrange the collection of patterns from large to small
in terms of scale. Both also acknowledge the reality that design is not linear
but a network of ideas and concepts. And both offer a provides some context, a
problem statement, and a solution statement. Patterns exist independently, in
connection to other patterns, and in connection to other pattern languages. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pattern Languages
moving forward</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have some proposals for developing pattern languages. First off, the idea that
many Permaculturists might simultaneously be developing pattern languages for
subjects I am less familiar with to share with the network is exciting – but
the challenge remains to offer these synthesis as a proposal – that is,
something to be offered as a gift for feedback from the community. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alexander
and his team traveled the globe to see if proposed patterns did indeed appear
“across context.” This is a reasonable pursuit in studying cities and buildings
as they have been developed in various forms for thousands of years.
Permaculture and other integrated agricultural systems don’t necessarily have
that benefit – at least in the modern context. We have examples from indigenous
cultures to draw on but still lack an understanding of what really works in
post-modern agricultural ecosystems. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In addition, we do not want pattern
languages to be simply lists of good ideas. They should be grounded in research
or at least positive affirmation from numerous sources. “Crowd-sourced” and
“Participatory” are words that come to mind. As we author these languages we
must proceed with a humble caution, and design methods for collecting feedback
so that our pattern languages can evolve. This is true for much of
Permaculture, where ideas come from advocates often without the ground-truthing
to back it up. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A template to follow</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
<a href="http://edibleforestgardens.com/" target="_blank">Edible Forest Gardens</a>, Dave Jacke provides an excellent analysis of pattern and
pattern languages in relationship to design and Permaculture. This section of
text is a “must read” for anyone thinking of writing their own pattern
language. It is important to build knowledge on the basis of other knowledge,
and thus we need to look at preceding Pattern Languages and build upon their strengths
and weaknesses. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For starters, we can use the following template when writing
an individual pattern: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Name:</b> of the
proposed pattern</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Context</b>:
describing the circumstances in which the problem is being solved</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Problem Statement:</b>
describing the issue to be revolved </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Solution: </b>Offering
single or multiple solutions and relevant commentary</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As patterns are assembled, they can
be linked together. Patterns as a language should be arrange in order from
large to small in scale, and grouped as deemed necessary by the author into
similar themes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The specific context and
limitations in developing the pattern language should be expressed clearly at
the beginning. And finally, the methods for encouraging the language to exist
as a participatory effort should be described. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Imagine a group of languages that
help landowners, farmers, and gardeners more efficiently assemble elements and
the connections between them. Imagine the potential to discuss and develop a
language over time that gets stronger and more transparent in its message.
Toward this end, I am offering to begin develop two pattern languages, which I
will gladly share with anyone wanting to participate in their development. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG5bAkhMrKjaPhcfpWE1EeHfvJuPjxmmhWK2yPyO3VMZBCuD-lGJrMPBLzzDsFfZKUk8dNfB42GCGllTPuMPgMmDse_14FBzrUBWuLeCkRlbuk67w30w-9NpKm7FBgJEB3PVW9JPPfbs/s1600/ForestFarmingBookLogoSM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG5bAkhMrKjaPhcfpWE1EeHfvJuPjxmmhWK2yPyO3VMZBCuD-lGJrMPBLzzDsFfZKUk8dNfB42GCGllTPuMPgMmDse_14FBzrUBWuLeCkRlbuk67w30w-9NpKm7FBgJEB3PVW9JPPfbs/s200/ForestFarmingBookLogoSM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.farmingthewoods.com/" target="_blank">Book website</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The first will be part of an
upcoming book I am co-authoring with Ken Mudge on Forest Farming.
(<a href="http://www.farmingtheforest.com/">www.farmingtheforest.com</a>) The pattern language is in the beginning states and
will offer patterns for the practice of Forest Farming in the Eastern Hardwood
Forest type. We will be consulting with case study farms we visit as well as through
an online directory of forest farmers we are creating to discuss and receive
feedback so that the language may be further developed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Second, as part of the culmination
of a <a href="http://mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=FNE12-745" target="_blank">grant I received to study ducks through NE-SARE</a>, I will begin to offer a
pattern language for raising ducks. I have found that duck rearing is
considerably different from chickens and other poultry and see a pattern
language as a good method to distinguish those differences. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Pattern Language writing offers an
exciting and creative way to describe our experiences and have meaningful
discussions about our work in such a way that is documented so that we can grow
as we learn. Like many things it is the process of crafting a language that is
of most benefit; indeed the end product is merely a synthesis of that
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you will join me
in writing a pattern language of your own someday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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Steve Gabriel, <a href="mailto:steve@agroforestrysolutions.com" target="_blank">steve@agroforestrysolutions.com</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-2858748984359993432013-02-06T10:35:00.003-05:002013-02-06T10:37:16.402-05:00Post from Ithaca's Food Web<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s1600/DSC00737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s320/DSC00737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://ithacasfoodweb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ithaca's Food Web</a> is a great blog from Allison Fromme -<i> thanks for the write up! </i><br />
<br />
EXCERPT: <br />
"The ducks did eat the slugs, but the weather last summer was unusually
dry, so the slugs were not as problematic as previous years. Steve says
his biggest surprise was that one breed, the Muscovy, ate both slugs and
the mushrooms -- not ideal if you aim to sell mushrooms. "The heritage
breeds (Cayuga and Swedish blue) were notable foragers, often exploring
the forest floor before heading to the food trough," he says. " <br />
<br />
FULL POST: <br />
<a href="http://ithacasfoodweb.blogspot.com/2013/02/an-elegant-solution-ducks-devour-slugs.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=email&utm_content=542458&utm_campaign=0">http://ithacasfoodweb.blogspot.com/2013/02/an-elegant-solution-ducks-devour-slugs.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=email&utm_content=542458&utm_campaign=0</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-36045766928023171962013-01-11T18:23:00.000-05:002013-01-22T17:33:23.237-05:002012 Results of Duck Research Part 1<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7fbeJ0-sG-Mv885iyqiiEudiyJJ4L7F8dGuaNUOB437_ulVX-Y4ZD3ZyOKCo5QoI_hPMg7xgpOYMOTJAFXBDpZxTR3NIdScyW2KstD2ojZrSAPkokbHMeUp43mxhwm1_Fs9hDz8Iylw/s1600/2012-06-27+at+18-36-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7fbeJ0-sG-Mv885iyqiiEudiyJJ4L7F8dGuaNUOB437_ulVX-Y4ZD3ZyOKCo5QoI_hPMg7xgpOYMOTJAFXBDpZxTR3NIdScyW2KstD2ojZrSAPkokbHMeUp43mxhwm1_Fs9hDz8Iylw/s320/2012-06-27+at+18-36-08.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rouen Ducks in the Woods</td></tr>
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As mentioned in previous posts, <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/02/mushroomsduckssaregrantagroforestryperm.html">in early 2012 I received funding</a> from <a href="http://mysare.sare.org/MySare/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=FNE12-745">NE-SARE, to study the integration of ducks into my mushroom laying yard as possible slug control. </a>I also sought to compare different breeds for this task and to see how marketable duck products were to the local region. This past season I was fortunate to work with farmers, chefs, researchers, and extension folks as I raised 45 ducks of four breed types in my roughly 1000 log shiitake mushroom operation. <br />
<br />
One of the signs you are onto some good stuff is when, after an experience you are left with more questions than answers. I feel like the first year of this two year study was in part an effort to see if the questions I was asked were appropriate, or even useful. <br />
<br />
My specific interest in the project was to explore the relationship between three separate systems (woodlot, shiitake laying yard, and duck rearing) and seeing if they are compatible when combined into a single system. The original impetus was to use biological control (ducks) to deal with slug problems inevitable with mushroom production. The three main questions I am asking are:<br />
<br />
I. Are ducks effective and reliable slug control in log-grown mushroom cultivation?<br />
II. Is the forest affected in any negative way from the presence of ducks?<br />
III. Are ducks economically viable as an additional income stream?<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Summary of Activities</h3>
As a way to summarize the season, here is what I did, month-by-month:<br />
<br />
JAN - APRIL<br />
In the beginning months of 2012 I spent time talking to duck growers, researching materials and supplies, and placing orders for materials and ducklings for a May delivery. Through conversations I decided that I should open the study to include more breeds & heritage breed ducks and that the season would conclude with a tasting event to see if consumers had a preference amongst breeds.<br />
<br />
MAY<br />
The ducklings arrived and were raised in metal stock tanks for 2 weeks, then given grass forage during the day for 2 more weeks. Ducklings were given free choice of grain during this time and there were two groups, which would remain throughout the season:<br />
<br />
Group #1: 10 Rouen, 15 Muscovy, 1 Chinese Goose (protection)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0kMn81ymMDaonAV-EkOZYBDORzHl0utwQxe0GXUr9FdUl9MNFk4GkyVMOjvbuH5lUMS-JUW3SduUS43E36rf917aC3iioVP-jAwc0uSw655MlQULo3JrOnMj0T55-T5g_CqXzWLCEyY/s1600/2012-06-27+at+18-34-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0kMn81ymMDaonAV-EkOZYBDORzHl0utwQxe0GXUr9FdUl9MNFk4GkyVMOjvbuH5lUMS-JUW3SduUS43E36rf917aC3iioVP-jAwc0uSw655MlQULo3JrOnMj0T55-T5g_CqXzWLCEyY/s320/2012-06-27+at+18-34-09.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducks + Mushrooms + Forest</td></tr>
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Group#2: 10 Cayuga, 10 Swedish Blue, 1 African Goose (protection)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/05/here-come-duckies.html">SEE THIS POST FOR MORE</a><br />
<br />
We only lost the Chinese Goose (strangled, sadly in the net fence) and one Rouen who also became entangled in some baling twine and had to be killed early.<br />
<br />
JUNE<br />
In early June three yards were set up with logs: one for each group and one as a control. Each section had roughly 120 logs. The duck house was also completed and put into place. The ducks moved into the site on June 10th, when we began taking data on mushroom yields, slug damage, duck weights, feed measurements, and any observations made by myself or my help, Joshua.<br />
<br />
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER<br />
During these months work was limited mainly to feeding (.2 lbs per duck, 2x each day), watering, mushroom harvesting, and observations. Three randomly selected ducks from each breed were captured once per week and weighed. We learned many things about duck behavior and the differences in breeds.<br />
<br />
OCTOBER<br />
The ducks were taken to a local slaughterhouse on October 16. We stretched the kill date this long to see if there was any benefit to weight gain – or if weights would level off. Ducks were all sold to a local restaurant who also hosting the tasting event.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV5IciOn21VZIZY6RCU4og_xI61NVp_oD2wkHB9tsEZ8siHJ9UYWWBUC8QynCIm43GpT3JSnNCMvQMywq6N_x-4ifIyyik5YEeCmBgafJ3LufIQkSd6gWgLN8EFTLo88vfBV9IUmHxOk/s1600/ducktaste+1239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV5IciOn21VZIZY6RCU4og_xI61NVp_oD2wkHB9tsEZ8siHJ9UYWWBUC8QynCIm43GpT3JSnNCMvQMywq6N_x-4ifIyyik5YEeCmBgafJ3LufIQkSd6gWgLN8EFTLo88vfBV9IUmHxOk/s320/ducktaste+1239.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking up for the tasting</td></tr>
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NOVEMBER<br />
The tasting event occurred November 6th. We had 16 participants including chefs, farmers, extension associates, and consumers. Each breed was minimally prepared and served in a blind test in two rounds; round one was breastmeat, round two was leg. Participants tasted the varieties and made notes on a worksheet. Everyone agreed that the most surprising element was that there was such a difference in taste between breeds. The Pekin (donated from a local farm) was the consistent favorite, while the Muscoy received poor marks and the three heritage breeds (Rouen, Blue, Cayuga) had positive marks with many participants noting more interesting flavors, in comparison to the Pekin which was deemed a “safe eat” for general consumers.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWdXTb7_BV8iaZto7v3ov6Msa4BKvgFLypUECCRwjnlal8rP7HsCdYU_GNA-JoN_Op3mT5k-O1XSKWwA2hSrKyBqzgJ3vBD2b_c2TNy4aLyWIybitLD2Vg2qbq_-0yD85aOKrnHaeylk/s1600/ducktaste+1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWdXTb7_BV8iaZto7v3ov6Msa4BKvgFLypUECCRwjnlal8rP7HsCdYU_GNA-JoN_Op3mT5k-O1XSKWwA2hSrKyBqzgJ3vBD2b_c2TNy4aLyWIybitLD2Vg2qbq_-0yD85aOKrnHaeylk/s320/ducktaste+1366.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expert Duck Farmer Mike from Kingbird</td></tr>
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<h3>
Results?</h3>
I will frame the results thus far in reference to the main questions this project seeks to answer:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I. Are ducks effective and reliable slug control in log-grown mushroom cultivation?<br /> </b><br />
The answer to this is inconclusive, with the largest reason being the drought we had this growing season – the mushroom yard simply had less slugs present than normal. We did begin to see some slugs toward the end of the summer – and there is some anecdotal evidence that ducks can be effective at slug control IF mushroom logs are located near to their food, water, and housing.<br />
<br />
We had almost 0% damage at the site where Muscovy/Rouens lived – once the mushrooms were fenced off as the Muscovy would actually try and eat them! But, foot traffic and foraging by ducks around the log fruiting area did seem to have a positive effect on reducing slug pressure.<br />
<br />
The fruiting area in the Cayuga/Blue pen was located away from food/water/shelter of the ducks and slug damage was comparable to the control. It seemed the ducks just didn’t spend that much time down by the logs and thus didn’t clean up the slug population.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/05/ducks-are-not-chickens.html">SEE THIS POST FOR MORE ITEMS I LEARNED ABOUT DUCKS </a><br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftKVuT-xAHoulJXV9eds-Pxw0uyuJhIU7ieNY72bNPiWMWgqkwAr0dPk31evaqBZKSgfFn0DPtaX-_cFO1Z8owVYAo3rsqopMiAgv6cqTg16_m89tK_WaKg4u_178SRzp8HXhC1412tI/s1600/2012-06-27+at+18-33-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftKVuT-xAHoulJXV9eds-Pxw0uyuJhIU7ieNY72bNPiWMWgqkwAr0dPk31evaqBZKSgfFn0DPtaX-_cFO1Z8owVYAo3rsqopMiAgv6cqTg16_m89tK_WaKg4u_178SRzp8HXhC1412tI/s320/2012-06-27+at+18-33-00.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muscovy - not our favorite.</td></tr>
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<b>II. Is the forest affected in any negative way from the presence of ducks?<br /> </b><br />
Despite the fact that our farm by nature rotates animals and believes that continuous grazing or foraging of one area leads to negative effects, for the research I decided that in 2012 we would let the ducks forage in one area continuously to observe effects. As a result, there was noticeable impact to forest litter from the movement of the various duck flocks – though it was substantially more in the Muscovy/Rouen pen then the other duck pen. From this perspective ducks had a negative effect on forest health. As a result, ducks will be rotated in 2013 between different plots.<br />
<br />
The ducks would also forage understory vegetation at will – which was both a pro and con as there was a large population of sugar maple seedlings (didn’t want to thin) but also of buckthorn (which is good to eradicate). As a result, in 2013 I will identify and cage vegetation that we want to ensure doesn’t get damaged by the ducks. They can feel free to pursue the unwanted vegetation.<br />
<br />
Another impact that is likely positive was the large amount of manure left in the forest. I realized in hindsight that it would have been great to sample the soil and the beginning and end of the season to get a comparison. We will begin this practice in 2013 to help better understand the possible impact.<br />
<br />
<b><br />III. Are ducks economically viable as an additional income stream?<br /> </b><br />
This question needs to be answered from multiple angles. For starters, the basic numbers are:<br />
<br />
INCOME<br />
218 lbs, 8 oz of ducks @ $5.50/lb = $1,201.75<br />
<br />
EXPENSES<br />
Feed: 20.5 weeks with 126 lbs feed/week @ .30/lb = $774.90<br />
Slaughter = $130<br />
TOTAL = $904.90<br />
<br />
DIFFERENCE = $296.85<br />
<br />
This simple calculation does not include infrastructure, labor, or other expenses involved in set up. (any initial investment) As for the labor, we consistently spend 30 minutes a day on chores (about 71 hours total) and another 30 hours on building, repairs, etcs. If we account for labor alone, then my hourly wage is less than $3/hr.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfDwAxKdTpzyMdjOe8SiWjbkJXNXErBFtbLno1pBRqPq08dAUJBlKkE_hG42bgqVALUe5jp3sInU4v3bOfvMUlo_AFcLbK1qEe0KS6GOYvHuTdFKXzqo3mgxz3Tq1T6S_BN5fDkj96Y8/s1600/2012-06-27+at+18-36-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfDwAxKdTpzyMdjOe8SiWjbkJXNXErBFtbLno1pBRqPq08dAUJBlKkE_hG42bgqVALUe5jp3sInU4v3bOfvMUlo_AFcLbK1qEe0KS6GOYvHuTdFKXzqo3mgxz3Tq1T6S_BN5fDkj96Y8/s320/2012-06-27+at+18-36-53.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducks on the feed with our guard goose, Gary.</td></tr>
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This is unfortunately the reality with much of farming. I was aware of this challenge and it remains one of the reasons to “stack” the duck chores with mushroom cultivation – where I get two yields for my time. For instance, while waiting for water to fill I was often harvesting mushrooms. So, there is potential.<br />
<br />
Further, we can look for ways to reduce costs. Since my market was a restaurant, I need to take birds to the facility. I could market direct and do my slaughter on-farm but I think this would result in even less profit. I can certainly reduce feed costs – I fed the highest rate consistently for research purposes, and Muscovy were the only ones that consistently ate it all. Through rotation and breed selection I bet feed costs can be reduced by 10% - 20% or more. I can also get my feed custom mixed locally if I buy in quantity – I have yet to assess if this is cheaper but it likely is. I could also raise more birds, in effect more meat for the time invested. But 50 birds feels like a pretty large amount to manage, so I am hesitant about getting too many more.<br />
<br />
The question of economic viability also contains more questions. For one, are the services (pest control and manure) of value to the farm? Of course, but at what price? And does it justify 50 ducks? I think that 6 – 12 ducks could easily fulfill the slug protection I am seeking. The key is to find that balance point between time, stocking rate, and costs.<br />
<br />
Some notes on specific breeds. Muscovy tended to head directly to the food, eat as much as you gave, then forage. The Cayuga and Blues both foraged first and often left a considerable amount of food. The Rouens seems to want to follow this pattern also, but were in competition for food with Muscovy so often tried to eat first (“flock mentality”) Overall, the Rouens didn’t get a fair shot and ended up MUCH smaller then they should have been by several pounds – probably a result of stress living with the overbearing Muscovy.<br />
<br />
From the restaurant perspective, our chefs were happy with the birds and sold out of them all almost instantly. There is clearly a demand there – especially in higher range restaurants. They (and others) mentioned wanting duck and having a hard time finding it. They actually felt the Muscovy were a big too big and would have a liked a 4 – 5 lb bird – they liked the taste of the heritage birds but said they were a little on the small side – so if I could offer a slightly larger Rouen/Cayuga/Blue or offer the same size at a lower price per pound, they’d be happy.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzdfztQm2dC__a8wSVTEWEVZZEVpSXfGezTdS9f8KPSDTtM-H6y7z_tlTdHPnuZdfutzSh1cuzZMHQ1UbT5M3xB_E07ISiJ5nVn36GZBeR0Cuh0wc1iKxVzpIlN8Bx8qhjlw1n5OzP0k/s1600/2012-05-26+at+13-19-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzdfztQm2dC__a8wSVTEWEVZZEVpSXfGezTdS9f8KPSDTtM-H6y7z_tlTdHPnuZdfutzSh1cuzZMHQ1UbT5M3xB_E07ISiJ5nVn36GZBeR0Cuh0wc1iKxVzpIlN8Bx8qhjlw1n5OzP0k/s320/2012-05-26+at+13-19-16.jpg" width="212" /></a>
Outlook for 2013</h3>
All the data collected has been entered into a database and while we have some clear patterns there is still some work to be done to process and further analyze some specifics. During the Winter months research and system design will occur to decide what two breeds will be raised in 2013 and how management will differ. While in 2012 the goal was to sample breeds and make some general observations, 2013 is about system optimization. The birds will be rotated from forest to field and feed will be more limited to improve profitability. The data and observations from both years will be used in the final report, as well as booklet on duck management I tend to produce.<br />
<br />
I’ve learned a lot this season and have many items I will change in 2013 to improve results and further my understanding of this potential system:<br />
<br />
1) Pen size will be smaller and restricted to areas right around mushroom fruiting zones<br />
2) Ducks will be rotated from forest to field to diversify their diet as well are reduce the impacts from continuous grazing the woods.<br />
3) One two breeds will be raised separately; 25 ducks each of (likely) Rouen and Cayuga. They will also be mixed male and female, with observation of traits for breeding<br />
4) Grain inputs will be limited and offered at a lower rate while trying to maintain weight gain<br />
5) Muscovy will NOT be raised (because they are high impact, they EAT the mushrooms, and they were not a favorite of the tasters)<br />
6) Desired vegetation will be fenced before ducks forage an area.<br />
7) Soil tests will be conducted at the beginning and end of 2013 season.<br />
8) Hopefully rainfall will be more normal and we’ll see more slug activity!<br />
<br />
<br />
We continue to increase mushroom production and will have about 1000 logs in production next year. In addition to the meat birds we are looking to raise Khaki Campbell ducks for eggs. We are in the planning stages of our farm but will mix duck flocks, grazing sheep on rotation, and trees crops as our main system. Rather than offer the ducks water in tubs, we are looking to design more “natural” duck habitats as part of the rotation – small in ground ponds and wetlands, planting forage, etc.<br />
<br />
Our focus is shifting from annual to perennial and tree crop production and believe that duck qualities make them the perfect animal in this system. One of our primary goals in our farm is to continuously try to reduce outside inputs, especially grain feed as it is energy intensive and also rising each year in cost. We are already convinced ducks can thrive on less feed than chickens but recognize that it is likely impossible to raise poultry from 100% onsite forages. We aim to continue to drop feed costs and would like to see at least a 40 – 50% reduction in outside feed. We also question if raising poultry for meat markets is inherently unsustainable, especially when compared to ruminants, who can largely be fed from maintained pasture and on-farm feed (hay). Perhaps ducks are better in the long term for egg production, or as a small flock for their ecosystem services. Still, with just starting out as a farm and the demand for duck meat very high, we feel compelled to try and work some meat production into our farm for several more seasons, and feel like heritage breeds, that are smaller and better foragers, better align with our goals.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extension Meat Man Matt Leroux</td></tr>
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<h3 style="font-weight: normal;">
<b>Thanks and Praises</b></h3>
I'd like to thank the following folks for their support this season:<br />
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<b>Roger Ort </b>of Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County has been instrumental in consulting on duck questions and sourcing materials, feeds, etc. His experience is very valuable as a new farmer.<br />
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<b>Hazelnut Kitchen</b>, a wonderful Trumansburg restaurant, was willing to purchase all my ducks and communicate on their experience with them from a restaurant perspective. They also hosted the tasting and have been great partners in this learning.<br />
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<b>Matt Leroux</b> of Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County offered support organizing the tasting and some of the thinking behind a successful tasting.<br />
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<b>Joshua Pezet</b> was the hired help for this season and with his research experience was really great in helping analyze and re-design the research as we went. He was also a great and trustworthy companion in this experiment. <br />
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Professor <b>Ken Mudge</b> at Cornell University has been helpful in mushroom information, and feedback on our research integrity.<br />
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And, much thanks to all the participants in the duck tasting event. More on that in a subsequent post. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-36231090995046859542012-10-14T09:18:00.002-04:002012-10-14T09:18:30.141-04:00Reviving the Wood Economy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As summer melts into fall I'm compelled to begin posting to the blog again. It's not that I didn't have anything to post during the summer, but its simply the result of so many hours spent outside, and so little time on the computer. This past growing season proved to be the busiest yet; as my partner Liz and I purchased land, moved and built a yurt we bought from some folks over the hill, and managed 50 ducks and 1,000 mushroom logs. All of this on top of part-time employment for <a href="http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/">Cornell Cooperative Extension</a> and<a href="http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/"> Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute</a>, teaching gardening and permaculture to the public. It's nice to have some time to write again. <br /><br />In fact, I've been prepping myself for the next blog post for some time, but there wasn't a topic that seemed to grab me at first. This website and blog was originally created to discuss and promote agroforestry strategies and concepts in a time where we need to rapidly step away from the consumption of fossil fuels and our dependance on unsustainable agriculture processes. It has long been my notion that the agriculture I want to participate in is one the leaves in its wake a forest; that someday when I walked away trees would be left in my footprints. This notion is what has led to my interest in forestry, in mushrooms, and in grazing animals underneath a canopy. And recently reading and article about vehicles powered by wood, I began looking thinking about this in a bigger picture sense; <br /><br />Our area is threatened with a push from industry to drill deep into the ground and extract natural gas in order to feed our addiction to dense, ancient, and non-renewable forms of energy. While arguments from both sides highlight this possible benefit or that possible risk; the reality is that we simply don't know what hydrofracking is capable of, except that it is likely to have adverse effects. Inevitably a truck will spill (or dump) fracking waste; inevitably a well casing (or many) will fail and leach chemicals into the water table, inevitably many incidents will happen. As one example among piles of them,<a href="http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/new-study-frack-fluids-can-migrate-to-aquifers-within-years/"> Dr. Anthony Ingraffea of Cornell University established that Marcellus Shale well casings have failed at a rate of 6.2% in Pennsylvania in 2010 and 2011</a>, and this was based on data from the the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. At a lecture I saw him present he asked, "would you get on a plane whose engine failed 6.2% of the time?"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brainstorm of the potential wood economy</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The reality with fossil fuel extraction is that it is extremely resource intensive. It does not give back to the communities it takes so much from. It is not a technology that is within local means of control and access; you and I cannot personally gain access to natural gas, and so are forced to purchase it from a multi-national corporation. The only possible benefit is money for a few; and yet even this potential boom is a short term gain. I personally am tired of seeing proposed "solutions" such at these which have at best a small benefit and at worst destroy our homes and communities. If we do not believe and seek to find win-win-win situations, we are certainly destined for ultimate failure, that is, the collapse of society. There are plenty of examples of systems that benefit communities, individuals, economies, and the environment. And the good news is that by nature these systems have to be decentralized, localized, with the tools and means of production in the hands of the people.<br /><br />I'm really not spouting some utopian fantasy, but a simple truth. When we engage with biological systems (versus industrial) as the basis of a local economy, we very quickly see the possibility of these win-win-win situations. And in the end, the goals we set for our communities determine the outcomes we seek. As I stated, my goal is to leave in my footprints a healthy and diverse forest. But I have to eat, and I have to make a living. Enter the Wood Economy; a necessary and appropriate system where wealth is not in dollars but in our local resources; it is not far away in holes buried deep in the ground, it is all around us in the cultivation and maintenance of a healthy local environment. It is not dependent on far away decision making and policy of the 1% in some government office, but in the backyards, farms, and community centers of out local neighborhoods, towns, and counties. <br /><br />The wood economy starts in a typical northeastern forest; a small patch of woods that was likely left at some time in recent history by a farmer, who either couldn't farm the site because it was too steep or rocky or wet, or left the woods so he/she could harvest some firewood or maybe some timber. If we view the forest as a library of genetics, then the reality is that most of the good books are long gone; harvested and sent to the saw mill. The exception are a few large trees still in the hedgerows, their genetics the story of thousands of years of adaption to disease, pests, and climate change. <br /><br />We also have perhaps the only benefit of a rapid decline in the percentage of our population as farmers; the abandonment of farm fields and the regrowth of another generation of forests; most less than 100 years old. The forests most of us walk through today are young, vulnerable, and immature. I often call these "teenage forests," as they are trying to find their way in the world. And they are. We can leave these forests to sort themselves out over the next several hundred years, and they might do just fine. But today's forests have an unprecedented amount of stress due to pests, disease, and a changing climate. We also inevitably need wood products. So, if we are to usher in a healthy forest economy, if we want to give our forests the best chance in the face of everything coming their way, we need to participate in steering their growth and succession. <br /><br />The good news is that there is plenty of positive intervention we humans can enact on our forest ecosystems. This is how I began farming mushrooms. As noted in a previous post, often a young forest benefits from a thinning around 20 - 25 years in age; and it just so happens that the size of the logs (4 - 8" in diameter) are perfect for mushroom cultivation. A win-win-win! Sold at $16 - $20/lb, mushrooms give me an economic incentive to spend time in the woods, a job in other words. The forest benefits from the thinning. And my community benefits from a highly nutritious and medicinal food. <br /><br />As I thin the woods for mushroom logs, I also inevitably end up with firewood. So, two yields for my efforts - and now incentive for harvesting not only sugar maple, oak, and beech (preferred for mushrooms), but also red maple, ash, hickory, and other hardwoods. My friend and co-forester <a href="https://www.facebook.com/newleafenvironmental">Lance Ebel of New Leaf Environmental</a> also found a market for "camp-wood" - i.e. the $5 bundles campers pick up when they come to our area state parks for a camping trip. Outdoor fires are not like woodstove fires - you don't want the hardwoods but softwoods that burn hot and bright. And so, we now have an incentive to pull spruce, pine, and basswood from the forest. Finally, a recent surge in interest for gardens has grown the demand for black locust for fence posts, as it is highly rot resistant. As we harvest these products, the key though is that we leave the healthy trees and take the damaged, diseased, or undesired species - thereby leaving the forest better than we found it. This is the beginning of the forest economy.<br /><br />There are so many possible ways to branch out from here. (pun intended!) Over the next multiple blog posts I'll zero in on some of these concepts, all of which together offer opportunities for jobs, improved environmental health, and increased community control over it's resources. As a farmer and educator of permaculture and ecological management, I'm compelled to find others interested in this topic because as I have found, I cannot make a livelihood if it is not connected to the livelihoods of others. Alone, or with only a few others, there is no economy. It takes a community with foresters, loggers, landowners, basket weavers, wood artists, farmers, and consumers to make this work. I know of very few who currently make their living from the forest; and yet there is ample room for people. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-10288759987028925982012-05-23T10:02:00.002-04:002012-05-23T10:03:48.518-04:00Ducks are not Chickens<br />
<h3>
Are ducks the better "permaculture poultry"?</h3>
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When my partner Liz and I first got interested in raising ducks, the reasons were two fold; we wanted to try something other than chickens, and I wanted to stop having to pick slugs off of mushrooms. We are now in our second season, having gone a peak population of seven ducks last year to over 50 this season. We are raising ducks for eggs and meat, the latter being part of a <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/02/mushroomsduckssaregrantagroforestryperm.html">NE-SARE funded research project</a>. <br />
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One of the most striking things I've found about duck raising is the complete lack of good literature guiding newbies along on the process, especially when compared to the volumes and volumes on chickens. In fact, many resources imply that ducks are pretty much like chickens when it comes to husbandry. Well, I've found this NOT to be the case in many regards.<br />
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I find it curious that ducks are so uncommonly considered as more people get into raising their own poultry in the US. Indeed, along with promoting mushrooms as an alternative crop, I see in my future efforts to promote ducks as alternative poultry.<br />
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Here are some of the unique characteristics of ducks, good and bad:<br />
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<b>WATER - they need lots!</b><br />
We've found that our ducks are happiest when they have access to a water font in addition to a small tub they can bathe in. While not essential to their survival, the pool clearly makes them love life. Since ducks root around in the ground, they need water they can submerge their heads into to clean out their nostrils. This is why the water also gets really dirty quick. I've realized there is a difference between sorta dirty and this-needs-changing-now dirty. It's better to use a small tub and change more often then try and get away with<br />
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<b>FORAGING - they are real good at it. </b><br />
Ducks are incredible foragers. The few books out there claim that some breeds may be able to forage for almost 100% of their own diet. We've certainly noticed a reduction in feed costs vs chickens for mature birds, though this is at best anecdotal. The research I'm doing this year will determine how much we actually feed, and we'll actually see if the difference is as much as we think.<br />
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<b>BURROWING vs. TILL & SCRATCH</b><br />
Probably my favorite aspect to their foraging is that ducks don't till/scratch like chickens, but instead borrow into the soil with their beaks. This means that while they can remove seeds and insects as they forage like chickens, they don't turn over and decimate the soil. In fact, I think the rooting promotes healthy aeration of the soil, without destroying it's structure. This quality also means that ducks can be grazed in forested settings, as they won't destroy the leaf cover and understory like chickens would. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s1600/DSC00737.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s320/DSC00737.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>POOP - the good and the bad</b><br />
One of the first questions I get asked about ducks (after, don't they need a pond?) is "doesn't their poop stink real bad?" to which I always reply; "yes, but all animal poop, mismanaged, stinks real bad." We are currently figuring out what best management practices work for ducks, especially for our 50 ducks who currently poop a lot and yes, it does add up and stink. Three things we've learned are 1) keep their bedding fresh 2) leave the water out of the duck house at night (except when they are young) to minimize water spillage inside 3) rotate them around. We are working to manage this waste as a resource, as duck manure is highly nutritious (like chicken) and useful for on site fertility. <br />
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<b>HOW THEY EAT - they swallow food whole</b><br />
Unlike chickens, who will peck at things for hours and pre-digest food in a gullet before swallowing, ducks take their food whole. This is a VERY significant difference because it means that ducks can be used in agricultural situations as a pest control while the plants are growing. Only the tender greens and shoots will be tempting for ducks. This is a big difference to chickens as they are often useful to the garden at the beginning and end of the season, but never during, as they'll annihilate a garden in short order. <br />
<b><br />DISEASE & COLD TOLERANCE</b><br />
Ducks are extremely disease and cold tolerant; we don't have to concern ourselves as much with mites or foot rot or anything of the like (as long as the bedding stays clean) and the cold tolerance is key; duck houses don't need to be heavily insulated come winter and ducks are happy to get wet and dry out, whereas chickens can easily get cold and need to be kept dry. <br />
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When I teach <a href="http://fingerlakespermaculture.org/?page_id=55">permaculture</a>, I have often used the chicken to demonstrate the principle of "multiple functions" as seems to be the tradition in <a href="http://fingerlakespermaculture.org/?page_id=55">permaculture</a> circles. Indeed, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mollison">Bill Mollison</a> wrote about the chicken as a prime example of "looking at plants & animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single-product system."<br />
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When any animal is seen as a member of an ecosystem, everything changes. I don't view my ducks as primarily egg or meat producers. In fact I consider these products to be surplus of the main roles ducks play in sustainable systems: pest control, foraging, fertilizing. The growing niche markets for duck eggs and meat simply encourage me to raise more of them; but even a half dozen ducks would add a wonderful element to any garden or farm system. <br />
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While clearly this post offers a favoring opinion of ducks, I really can't say they are a "better" choice for those interested in integrated farming/gardening systems. As with many decisions, it depends on what you are after. If you want to raise birds in woodland settings and forest gardens and have them focus on pest control, ducks may be the best choice. If you want to clear vegetation, till soil, and have it fertilized, then go with chickens. Ultimately, all animals have their pros and cons, and its up to the designer to approximately match the species to the situation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-64514170337154950172012-05-17T22:12:00.006-04:002012-05-18T06:31:24.630-04:00Mushrooms Wild & Cultivated<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stropharia rugosa-annulata</i></td></tr>
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<i>Friends and fellow mushroom enthusiasts Steve Gabriel and Ari-Rockland
Miller are teaming up to offer two upcoming classes in Vermont to
explore the best practices and future potential for both mushroom
cultivation as well as wild foraging. </i><br />
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Mushrooms are truly a remarkable organism. A member of the fungal kingdom, they are more closely related to animals then plants; they breathe oxygen and expire CO2, just like us! They are key components in soil and forest health; some provide primary decomposition, breaking the tough bonds in woody materials to make them available for other soil organisms, while others bond in a symbiotic relationship with plants to capture and cycle nutrients and water. Mushrooms have been shown to also be powerful healers, ranging from breaking down hydrocarbons in oil spills (oyster) to inhibiting the growth of cancer cells (shiitake, lions mane).<br />
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Nearly all cultivated mushrooms are saprophytic, meaning they decompose woody organic matter and in turn build soil fertility while producing fruiting bodies for reproduction. Saprophytes are the planet’s great recyclers, turning dead plants into nutrients available to living plants and animals. These saprophytes vary in their pickiness around food source – some, like shiitake, favor specific hardwood tree species, while others, like the oyster, are generalist decomposers that will eat just about whatever you put on their plate. <br />
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Oysters seem equally happy feasting on sawdust, straw, toilet paper, coffee grounds, or petrochemicals (making them prime candidates for mycoremediation, as demonstrated by mycologist Paul Stamets). Shiitake is easy to cultivate but does not grow wild in this region, while other saprophytes like the king stropharia can be cultivated as well as foraged in North America. In the workshop, participants will learn how to clone native king stropharias to harness the wild and bring it into the garden.<br />
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Many of the most gourmet wild mushrooms are mycorrhizal fungi that are extremely difficult to impossible to cultivate. Mycorrhizal mushrooms like the porcini, chanterelle, and matsutake are revered for their flavor and coveted for their wild, unpredictable fruiting habits. These fungi form complex symbiotic relationships with plant roots that benefit both parties. Rather than drive ourselves crazy trying to cultivate such finicky fungi, we will learn how to find and ID them in the wild!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj2b-pZp8MwQqikNkfqITJ3Jiealg8TTZirg16V_LIUwxDIjcz8k4bqrJT2V4iZ9xBQlBiqu_pE70gErn3v7DTArOkWRAa5v1apW050kIP2DBYUJquPG1OtvWByND3sMjOo1THQrW0Rg/s1600/316464_239392232781395_164436116943674_609232_1998468712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj2b-pZp8MwQqikNkfqITJ3Jiealg8TTZirg16V_LIUwxDIjcz8k4bqrJT2V4iZ9xBQlBiqu_pE70gErn3v7DTArOkWRAa5v1apW050kIP2DBYUJquPG1OtvWByND3sMjOo1THQrW0Rg/s200/316464_239392232781395_164436116943674_609232_1998468712_n.jpg" width="133" /></a><i>Steve Gabriel</i> has been growing shiitake and other mushrooms for six years. He educates landowners, farmers, and gardeners though his work at <a href="http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/">Cornell Garden-Based Learning</a> and through the <a href="http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/">Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute</a>. He currently operates a 1,000 log shiitake operation and is co-authoring a book on the practices of Forest Farming.<br />
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<i>Ari Rockland-Miller</i>, co-founder of <a href="http://www.themushroomforager.com/">The Mushroom Forager</a>, is an ardent mycophile who enjoys nothing more than the exhilarating feeling of the mushroom hunt. Over the past few years he has found hundreds of pounds of gourmet and medicinal wild mushrooms, and he loves sharing his knowledge with blog readers and workshop participants. Ari became an expert in shiitake cultivation after managing <a href="http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu/">Cornell University’s Mushroom Research Project</a> and the MacDaniels Nut Grove, Cornell’s forest farming demonstration site. <br />
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“Mushrooms Wild & Cultivated” will be held June 2nd at <a href="http://www.shelburnefarms.org/">Shelburne Farms</a> (Shelburne, VT) and June 3rd at <a href="http://www.twinpondretreat.com/">Twin Pond Retreat</a> (Brookfield, VT) . For $65 students take home an inoculated shiitake log and oyster substrate. Participants should plan on bringing their own lunch.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shelburnefarms.org/">Shelburne Farms</a><br />
Shelburne, VT<br />
June 2 from 9:00am - 4:00pm<br />
$65 includes one inoculated mushroom log<br />
TO REGISTER CALL 802-985-8686 <br />
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<a href="http://www.twinpondretreat.com/">Twin Pond Retreat</a><br />
Brookfield, VT<br />
June 3 from 9:00am - 4:00pm <br />
$65 includes one inoculated mushroom log<br />
TO REGISTER Email name, email, and phone number to <a href="mailto:steve@agroforestrysolutions.com">steve@agroforestrysolutions.com</a> or call 607.342.2825 <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-19726559462521515422012-05-11T13:07:00.003-04:002012-05-11T13:09:11.684-04:00Mushrooms as a byproduct of Forest Health<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfA1m4j8vOif0o0TU7bFomFZrbdwHDzR-FQ3yfh7M81as4KOlywIEf-RoLVzC0YnHNG_Y28bmDfXvNabkyMnuUPrcKfirUvyEMsRi4SNV-YCkaTctigGnpihIFOSypRMfpW6RX8AgOmE/s1600/DSCN0039_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfA1m4j8vOif0o0TU7bFomFZrbdwHDzR-FQ3yfh7M81as4KOlywIEf-RoLVzC0YnHNG_Y28bmDfXvNabkyMnuUPrcKfirUvyEMsRi4SNV-YCkaTctigGnpihIFOSypRMfpW6RX8AgOmE/s320/DSCN0039_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sugaring at the Cayuga Nature Center, 2007</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My interest in mushrooms didn't stem (pun intended!) from the desire to be a farmer or to have more mushrooms growing around me than I knew what to do with. It came from a sincere interest in looking for incentives to get woodlot owners to manage their woods. Over harvesting for timber is unfortunately ravaging healthy forests who are recovering from centuries of abuse. And many young forests also need thinning to improve the health of the residual stand. <i>It was the combined idea of the landowner making an income (and thus reducing pressure to log the big trees) and the idea that mushrooms could make good use of small diameter wood (as a byproduct of thinning) that led me into the world of mushrooms. </i><br />
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Several years ago I served as Land Use Manager for wonderful place located outside of Ithaca, the <a href="http://www.cayuganaturecenter.org/">Cayuga Nature Center</a>. I was hired to work on land use planning and programming related to good management of fields and forests, including permaculture. One of the traditions we continued was tapping maple trees each spring and hosting Maplefest, a two day festival that promoted sugaring and the history of the practice, from the time of native americans to present day. During my tenure there we tapped about 100 trees and for the first time in the 30 years history of CNC bottled and sold our syrup as a fundraising mechanism. <br />
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Where the mushrooms entered was the action we undertook to thin some of the sugarbush (the grove of trees we tapped) to improve the health of the trees we were tapping. This left us with a pile of small diameter wood, which inevitably was headed to the firewood pile, which was plentiful. I had heard of a local man in Hector (Steve Sierigk) who was growing mushrooms on logs, and thought we should give it a try. In 2006 we had our first mushroom class at the nature center, which was also to be the beginning of my career as a mushroom grower and forest farmer, though I didn't know at the time.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDsNMjPDhIz5f8lYn8wkk8T0rn77u7jTgZ6TYbhyphenhyphenh09Z_YOFKK5_ig_cq_D3wSOYmSoOX7UgCcD4s9WgboeTt8vv6zuYuHkQl_gM3U-2w00FmTiqrLZ8qrfm_8M3jgSO4FcF9G0yGxjQ/s1600/chainsawFull.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDsNMjPDhIz5f8lYn8wkk8T0rn77u7jTgZ6TYbhyphenhyphenh09Z_YOFKK5_ig_cq_D3wSOYmSoOX7UgCcD4s9WgboeTt8vv6zuYuHkQl_gM3U-2w00FmTiqrLZ8qrfm_8M3jgSO4FcF9G0yGxjQ/s200/chainsawFull.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Done right, thinning benefits the woods.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The key point in the story is that the mushroom logs were a byproduct, a "surplus" of a necessary activity if we wanted to keep the forest at an optimal health. The logs we cut down, as well as the ones I continue to cut down each winter are all in this category. Often they have some rot, are mangled, and aren't very straight. But were I to select the perfect logs - the straightest, the ones free from disease and defect, I would at the same time be taking out the best genetics - the best trees - in other words, the trees that should be left on the stump to grow old. <br />
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As for economics, I did some figures for a presentation I gave at the 2011 NOFA conference that compared the income generated from cutting older trees for timber vs younger trees for mushroom logs. <br />
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Let's say I decide to cut a 100 year old White Pine, which might yield 500 board feet. At current prices, log is worth maybe $250 at mill but you have to subtract the expenses for the forester, logger, fuel, etc, which means there might be a one time profit of $75 for that log. That 100 year old tree. Surely there is more value in leaving that tree standing to seed numerous generations of new pines for decades to come. (these figures are based on talking to multiple foresters and loggers)<br />
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Compare this to a 25 year old Sugar Maple, which might yield ten three foot mushroom logs. These ten logs over lifetime will yield at least 20 pounds of mushrooms, which can be sold for $240 ($12/lb). The costs of harvesting, transport, inoculation, management equal about $2/log, or $40. This means that over the lifetime of the logs (about 4 years), this ONE and very young tree offers a $200 profit, more than twice the above. <br />
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And again, a 25 year old tree is a world away from a 100 year old tree. These young trees, especially sugar maple, are reaching the PERFECT size for mushroom logs at about this age. They often grow in thickets and this is a perfect time to intervene, leave the best, and use the rest for mushroom production.<br />
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To me, shiitake production is just the beginning of the potential for agroforestry products to both be better in terms of forest health as well as economic vitality. I'll be offering two classes coming up which will discuss this linkage more and go over forest management practices in addition to the basic inoculation strategies for shiitake, oyster, stropharia, and lions mane:<br />
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<b>Little Farm of Paradise, Hampton NY (north of Albany on the VT border)<br />May 20 from 10:00am - 3:00pm<br />$80 includes one inoculated mushroom log<br /><br />Shannon Brook Farm, Watkins Glen, NY<br />June 10 from 10:00am - 3:00pm<br />$65 includes one inoculated mushroom log</b><br />
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TO REGISTER, email your name, email, and phone number to steve@agroforestrysolutions.com or call 607.342.2825Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-69137242487262845442012-05-05T08:45:00.000-04:002012-05-05T08:47:06.906-04:00Still plenty of mushroom classes coming up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pk7lcSKa53FkQJRTPjy-cP72DXcp4kqMglco9O8s8YGr4rHMsRHN6ovm_ve0vmhV1HF252hCLazVZyiJ7azkihtuJsVXRxL1ZaQn4DWHywImk0UY8IYKnRQoLMzYfBOBtku3vDKBZ8A/s1600/DSC00391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pk7lcSKa53FkQJRTPjy-cP72DXcp4kqMglco9O8s8YGr4rHMsRHN6ovm_ve0vmhV1HF252hCLazVZyiJ7azkihtuJsVXRxL1ZaQn4DWHywImk0UY8IYKnRQoLMzYfBOBtku3vDKBZ8A/s320/DSC00391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Join mushroom farmer and extension educator Steve Gabriel for a mushroom class this May or June and learn how you can grow your own edible mushrooms for fun and profit.<br />
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Participants will learn several cultivation methods for multiple species (shiitake, lions mane, oyster, and stropharia) that are practical on both a home and small commercial scale and appropriate for all experience levels.<br />
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<b>MAY</b><br />
Three Sisters Farm, Sandy Lake, PA: May 12<br />
Rochester Permaculture Center, Rochester NY: May 13<br />
CCE Hamilton County, Piseco, NY: May 19<br />
Little Farm of Paradise, Hampton NY: May 20<br />
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<b>JUNE</b><br />
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT: June 2<br />
Twin Ponds Retreat, Brookfield, VT: June 3<br />
Shannon Brook Farm, Watkins Glen, NY: June 10<br />
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Classes are filling up so contact us to register today.<br />
<a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">MORE INFO</a><br />
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CONTACT:<br />
Steve Gabriel<br />
<a href="mailto:steve@agroforestrysolutions.com">steve@agroforestrysolutions.com</a><br />
607.342.2825Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-91083004718677793562012-05-04T08:08:00.002-04:002012-05-04T08:08:38.989-04:00Here come the duckies...!<br />
When I wrote about <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/02/mushroomsduckssaregrantagroforestryperm.html">receiving grant funding from NE-SARE</a> in Febuary, it was a brief moment of satisfaction before I realized that with opportunity comes responsibility. Research is a heck of a lot of work, and the trial I'll be conducting this season running ducks in my mushroom yard to see if I can reduce slug pressure on the mushroom crop while yielding another foodstuff is requiring a bit more time and energy than if I was simply raising ducks and mushrooms <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ7dpi5kcduyyJpiYm2u4Ww2k6F1Aq-43HXipxsxO5kIDqoR6s4rE0fZKU_YiiMa7SQPvMOyBcLBH8e_7hC5WKQu79wsw5KwyeklaM8DJbXTr7gaXDXncU57grz9K3kVJn9RHhDcoWlw/s1600/P5020020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ7dpi5kcduyyJpiYm2u4Ww2k6F1Aq-43HXipxsxO5kIDqoR6s4rE0fZKU_YiiMa7SQPvMOyBcLBH8e_7hC5WKQu79wsw5KwyeklaM8DJbXTr7gaXDXncU57grz9K3kVJn9RHhDcoWlw/s400/P5020020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Though this is an research project, duck happiness is still my #1 goal.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One challenge to any project is its ever-changing nature. Take my choice in duck breeds, for example. In the <a href="http://mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=FNE12-745">original grant</a> I wrote, I determined that I'd try out common meat birds, Muscovy's and Pekin. This was based on the rather simple notion that I wanted the breed that gained weight fasted. Yet on further reflection and discussion with my technical advisor, Roger Ort, and his family, I realized that I was looking at the situation too narrowly.<br />
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In fact, what I've decided to do is trial FOUR breeds; two traditional meat ducks and two heritage breeds, to determine which duck fits best into the forest system. As a result, 45 furry ducklings arrived in the mail yesterday and we've set about caring for them as best we can. Here's the breakdown:<br />
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FLOCK #1: A mix if <b>Muscovy</b> and <b>Rouen</b>, traditional breeds raised for meat (see pic above)<br />
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FLOCK #2: A mix of <b>Swedish Blue</b> and <b>Cayuga</b>, heritage breeds raised for meat and eggs<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My interested in comparing breeds is what has led to the increase in work, since I'll need to maintain separate flocks, weigh birds, and spend ample time observing behaviors. I'm not complaining at all, just emphasizing the reasons research grants are important. Without the financial support to explore the possibilities most farmers just don't take the risk. They stick to what they know works, which is work enough already!<br />
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In my assessment of the breeds, we'll be looking at the following variables to determine which breed will likely serve as the best for year two of the trial, where I'll raise one flock and work to optimize the system and begin a breeding program. (This year the birds are all males, to maintain consistency)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBITyytahC8BjEspyHjUSRBfq_IRiybS9P0Kfyqos-4KZpYbbIHkPgzCBWHbxjwg6WgE0xoThYdunHEmyosWic3ie7cc8bff0NGHKLuFwgGhRGo0KV7jLwqH8nHzHRrDH8eR9A8Z7_4gs/s1600/P5020019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBITyytahC8BjEspyHjUSRBfq_IRiybS9P0Kfyqos-4KZpYbbIHkPgzCBWHbxjwg6WgE0xoThYdunHEmyosWic3ie7cc8bff0NGHKLuFwgGhRGo0KV7jLwqH8nHzHRrDH8eR9A8Z7_4gs/s320/P5020019.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Brooder set up.</b></td></tr>
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<h3>
<b>a. How well the breed forages.</b></h3>
The central reason for the trial is to examine the role ducks can play as biological control agents in perennial agroforestry systems. So the simple end of it is, which duck keeps the slugs at bay?<br />
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<h3>
b. Pounds of feed for pounds of meat.</h3>
Rather than just focusing on the breeds that put on the most pounds, I'm going to look more at the efficiency of converting food to meat. Some of the books I've been reading claim the heritage breeds can forage for almost all of their diet. So while there may be less meat overall on a heritage bird, if that bird is able to get his/her food for "free" from a healthy ecosystem all the better.<br />
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<h3>
c. The breed I most like to work with.</h3>
This category remains largely subjective but having raised animals I know the variables in temperament, style, and even entertainment value. I already have a slight bias toward the rarer, heritage breeds of ducks; in a time where our food system has nearly eliminated many animal species it feels important to try and <a href="http://albc-usa.org/">play a role in their restoration</a>. <br />
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<h3>
d. Which breed tastes the best.</h3>
Rumor has it that while the meat breeds pack more pounds, the heritage breeds might have more complex and interesting flavors. To test this out we'll conclude the trial this year with a taste test in the Fall, working with local chefs who will prepare each breed in the same fashion and provide our "judges" with samples to see which breeds are most enjoyed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej99uRcQeQG5vfmdHDVAf1nA40hiSSfdOmHH0w07nXYp8_R-wrdG7s6NitP-R2TIJc-CNdzvnOQaIPPzDzPps4OMdZ0zyXBqUzlaF-OfbNNesmQBF3IJyqJ72qbbwKQiH5hqpMfEKV9o/s1600/ducks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej99uRcQeQG5vfmdHDVAf1nA40hiSSfdOmHH0w07nXYp8_R-wrdG7s6NitP-R2TIJc-CNdzvnOQaIPPzDzPps4OMdZ0zyXBqUzlaF-OfbNNesmQBF3IJyqJ72qbbwKQiH5hqpMfEKV9o/s200/ducks2.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
I hope that readers do not take the language in this post to imply that I am treating these ducks without to utmost care and respect. Folks may disagree on the details about raising animals for meat but I believe it to be a critical element to a sustainable food system and take pride in providing my animals with complete care and access to natural environments. I do not view these wonderful creatures as commodities but as sentient beings that need our respect and admiration. Duck happiness had to always been the number one goal.<br />
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<b>and finally, a brief reminder of <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">upcoming mushroom classes</a>:</b><br /><br />May 12: Three Sisters Farm: Sandy Lake PA<br />
May 13: Rochester Permaculture Center: Rochester, NY<br />
May 19: Cornell Cooperative Extension Hamilton Co: Piseco, NY<br />
May 20: Little Farm of Paradise: Hampton, NY<br />
June 2: Shelburne Farms, Shelburne NY<br />
June 3: Twin Pond Retreat, Brookfield, VT<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-25028492311114324272012-04-30T08:03:00.000-04:002012-04-30T08:37:00.486-04:00May 5th & 6th Class for Growers CanceledDue to low enrollment, the weekend May 5th and 6th class targeted to those interested in small scale commercial production of shiitake is being canceled. This class may be rescheduled in September of this year but for now consider attending another of our upcoming workshops which are filling up fast.<br />
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Our first few classes in the Southern Tier of NY, Western Mass, and the Hudson Valley were a wild success, with mushroom enthusiasts filling space to capacity. <br />
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Participants get the basics of shiitake, oyster, lions mane, and stropharia cultivation and get to take home inoculated substrates in all of these classes. Both backyard growers and those intersted in commercial production can have their questions answered. <br />
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Upcoming Dates:<br />
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May 12 -- Mushrooms in Permaculture Systems: Sandy Lake, PA<br />
May 13 -- Edible Mushrooms for Backyard Growers: Rochester, NY <br />
May 19 -- Inoculation Demonstration: Piseco NY<br />
May 20 -- Mushrooms & Forest Management: Hampton, NY<br />
June 2 -- Mushrooms Wild & Cultivated: Shelburne, VT<br />
June 3 -- Mushrooms Wild & Cultivated: Brookfield, VT <br />
June 10 -- Mushrooms & Forest Management: Watkins Glen, NY<br />
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More info: <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-45705683545518661032012-04-25T08:42:00.001-04:002012-04-25T09:45:52.206-04:00A Beginning Farmers Dream: Shiitake as a Niche Crop<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2Wacdil-VrORw3UvOT59AmXPJaYMdp8q41RmC1wzTgATFqVFkiSCXnTbsbGcKa6zjKJjGo4tkCMOCtMsTMNwSBL4bo-CmTzO1f1CH3BHO_VHAOWU-pSUmjY3NLPkGhnES6bntn6GTpo/s1600/_MG_7588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2Wacdil-VrORw3UvOT59AmXPJaYMdp8q41RmC1wzTgATFqVFkiSCXnTbsbGcKa6zjKJjGo4tkCMOCtMsTMNwSBL4bo-CmTzO1f1CH3BHO_VHAOWU-pSUmjY3NLPkGhnES6bntn6GTpo/s200/_MG_7588.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The perfect niche crop?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beginning farmers young and old have their work cut out for them: while their passion and persistence may be strong, the barriers to getting started can often seem overwhelming and even impossible. These factors may include access to land, start-up funds, and developing a skill set that wasn't taught in school or college. And yet despite these challenges, more and more want in. And its a good thing - with increasing food costs, questions about food safety, and a growing market in local foods, we are going to need all the farmers we can get.<br />
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There are a number of wonderful organizations that have emerged specifically to help the beginning farmer. One is located just down the hall from me; the <a href="http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/">Cornell Small Farms Program</a>, which is a program of cooperative extension, launched the <a href="http://nebeginningfarmers.org/">Northeast Beginning Farmer Project</a> site in 2006. <a href="http://www.nofany.org/bfam">NOFA-NY hired a beginning farmer coordinator</a> and offers members a hotline to call in with questions. And in our local area, <a href="http://www.groundswellcenter.org/">Groundswell</a> has emerged to support those interested in farming with opportunities to interact and learn from regional farmers. <br />
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Probably the biggest shift for new farms is coming to terms with the reality that farming is hard work, especially when many of us have spend our lives sitting at a desk listening or typing away at a computer. We simply don't have the life experience of hard labor to back up our dreams. The good news is we are built to be active animals, using our bodies to get the job done. While the transition can be a tough one, it seems that everyone who passes this hurdle never regrets it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY5OUkkMGhi-7e6D85QmK5BAwhftlhyDW3Z2ZoJtKWegORjE3dxQ2kbILKCQyDp58eKRv7Vdr1la5y6_vsHRLbaVXRi7J8kpbF6KtQw00IBNdR0Yov7d6q2Uj-sKEwmmrwoY6Ze4fOSk/s1600/Picture+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY5OUkkMGhi-7e6D85QmK5BAwhftlhyDW3Z2ZoJtKWegORjE3dxQ2kbILKCQyDp58eKRv7Vdr1la5y6_vsHRLbaVXRi7J8kpbF6KtQw00IBNdR0Yov7d6q2Uj-sKEwmmrwoY6Ze4fOSk/s320/Picture+17.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Designing a laying yard is key to success.</b></td></tr>
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The other initial shift that needs to occur is patience - too many farm dreamers want it all the first year, or even the first few years of farming. But the reality is that farms take decades and lifetimes to build, and we need to see our work in this context. Inevitably new farmers are dealing with poor soil fertility, low levels of experience, and a lot of upfront cost. Taking time to slowly build a farm within ones means and abilities increases the likelihood of success.<br />
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This is where the importance of a niche crop arises. I'm defining a niche crop as four things:<br />
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1) OPEN MARKETS: the crop has open local and regional markets and a demand from consumers<br />
2) SCALABLE: the crop can be started small and steadily increased to meet the farmers goals<br />
3) LOW INVESTMENT/HIGH RETURN: the crop has low initial costs and a high market value<br />
4) RESILIENT: the crop can accept a varying and changing environment, and also is forgiving to the farmer's learning curve<br />
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Enter Shiitake as perhaps one of the best candidates as a niche crop, at least in the Northeastern US. The markets are more or less wide open, with consumers and chefs eager to get their hands on this tasty and nutritious food. Shiitake can be easily sold at farmers markets, to restaurants, and through CSA models for $11 (wholesale) to $16 (retail) a pound.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4ECdavMa_RQmXuM10aPaF6zywEoKTlkjVd8GmE2xbF96_1C5En52_psVTDNuc1URzSsfkN0HTCAsnFKzpTy9Ir4QrmAISSguY5AL5hRAOKJSGcufnSkReLu-KEDI3g7Q4M6vFq70PfQ/s1600/wixom+627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4ECdavMa_RQmXuM10aPaF6zywEoKTlkjVd8GmE2xbF96_1C5En52_psVTDNuc1URzSsfkN0HTCAsnFKzpTy9Ir4QrmAISSguY5AL5hRAOKJSGcufnSkReLu-KEDI3g7Q4M6vFq70PfQ/s320/wixom+627.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shiitake offers a sound return on investment.</b></td></tr>
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A beginner can start with 100 logs, which yields roughly 10 lbs a week, or $120 to $160 of sales, and add more logs until he/she is satisfied. The cost to inoculate each log is $1.50 - $3.00, which pales in comparison to the $50 - $60 of sales per log that will be gained over it's lifetime. And other than drying out, the crop is forgiving of changing weather conditions, floods and droughts, and even the farmer's desire to take a vacation.<br />
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One of my favorite things about being a mushroom grower is that I don't feel like I have to compete to survive. I can both teach backyard growers how to cultivate their own mushrooms while selling them to others who just want to purchase them. I can collaborate with other local growers as the demand is high and none of us will be able to meet it anytime soon. Even if/when more growers enter the market and the price eventually drops, there is still good profit margin in mushroom growing.<br />
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While I'm making Shiitake out to be the wonder crop, I'll return to the key points made above: cultivating mushrooms is relatively HARD work, and you'll perish if you don't enjoy cutting and moving logs on a regular basis. Setting up a laying yard to improve your labor efficiency is key to success. And of course, marketing and branding a product is key to getting customers excited about the product.<br />
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We are offering a training on May 5th and 6th for beginning and established farmers looking for detailed information on the particulars of growing shiitake mushrooms on a small scale (200 - 1,000 logs). Included in the class will be:<br />
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- Basics of shiitake cultivation & how to do it efficiently<br />
- Designing a laying yard to save time & your back<br />
- Setting up a soaking schedule, harvesting, storing, and drying shiitake<br />
- Marketing to farmers markets, restaurants, and CSAs<br />
- The economics; where are the costs and how can I minimize them?<br />
- Other add-ons: commercial oyster, stropharia, and lion's mane cultivation (experimental)<br />
- Basic forest management and chainsaw safety<br />
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In addition to the above topics, participants will get to see two active mushroom yards and talk with experienced growers about the particulars of cultivation.<br />
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The class will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, May 5 and 9am to 4pm on Sunday, May 6 in Mecklenburg, NY Participants are welcome to camp out on the land or we can recommend local hotels or B&Bs for a more comfortable stay. Cost is $125, which includes several inoculated substrates to take home.<br />
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Questions and registration can be directed to <a href="mailto:steve@agroforestrysolutions.com">steve@agroforestrysolutions.com</a> or 607.342.2825.<br />
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Classes are supported by the <a href="http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/">Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute</a> and <a href="http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu/">Northeast Mushroom Growers Network</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-9509274420211713262012-04-19T11:49:00.002-04:002012-04-19T11:49:48.567-04:00Video: Mushrooms in Permaculture SystemsEnjoy this 17 minute video, a rebroadcast of a presentation I recently did at Cornell's <a href="http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu/campmushroom.html">"Camp Mushroom" </a>on Friday, April 13th. <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">Upcoming classes</a> at Brook's Bend Farm (4/21 in MA), Three Sisters Farm (5/12 in PA), and at the Rochester Permaculture (May 13 - NY) will delve deeper into this topic as well as teach participants how to inoculate Shiitake, Oyster, Stropharia, and Lion's Mane mushrooms.<br />
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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/40658333" width="500" height="313" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-19125025383911690502012-04-13T08:55:00.001-04:002012-04-13T09:05:15.156-04:00Mushrooms in Permaculture Systems<b><span style="font-size: large;">
Classes take a look at the bigger, integrated picture</span></b><br />
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Brook's Bend Farm, MA (April 21)<br />Three Sisters Farm, PA (May 12)<br />Rochester Permaculture Center (May 13)</h3>
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The basis of inspiration for my work as a permaculture forest farmer comes from what I observe and learn in natural ecosystems, and at the heart of what I've learned over the last 10 years is that a) no organism survives or thrives without maintaining a cooperative connection to other species and b) sustainable systems are also multi-kingdom, that is, not just plants but a mixture of players from the plant, animal, fungi, bacteria, etc communities.<br />
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One of the more inspiring examples of these ideas came across my radar several years ago in the writing of Chris Maser, who describes the intricate evolution of a complex relationship between the Spotted Owl, Northern Flyer Squirrel, the Douglas Fir, and truffle mushrooms:<br />
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<i>"...Keeping the above in mind, let's consider the coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest in which Douglas-fir and western hemlock predominate in the old-growth canopy. Herein lives the Northern Spotted Owl, which preys on the flying squirrel as a staple of its diet. The flying squirrel, in turn, depends on truffles, which it detects by odor at night and then digs them out of the forest soil.</i><br />
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<i>When flying squirrels eat the truffles, they consume fungal tissue that contains nutrients, water, viable fungal spores, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and yeast. Pieces of truffle move to the stomach, where the tissue is digested; then on through the small intestine, where absorption takes place, and then to the cecum.</i><br />
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<i>The cecum is like an eddy along a swift stream; it concentrates, mixes, and retains fungal spores, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and yeast. Undigested material, including cecal contents, is formed into excretory pellets in the lower colon; these pellets, which are expelled through the rectum, contain the viable spores and accompanying micro-organisms necessary to inoculate the root tips of trees."</i><br />
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FULL ARTICLE: </i><a href="http://www.chrismaser.com/truffle.htm" style="font-style: italic;">http://www.chrismaser.com/truffle.htm</a><br />
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Permaculture is a design system that focuses on the production of food, fibre, and energy while restoring degraded ecosystems. While designs are often focused around plants, it is essential to include animals, fungi, bacteria, and algae as members of five distinct kingdoms, which all have a unique role to play in a healthy ecosystem.<br />
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Mushrooms are but one part in this whole systems approach to gardening, farming, and forestry. Our efforts as gardeners, farmers, and land stewards must all be based in the cultivation of healthy soils, which fungi have a unique role in; they are the only organisms that can digest the tough and fibrous lignin in wood, which then makes the material available for other organisms, whether they be bacteria or animal-based.<br />
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Three upcoming mushroom classes will be held at a wide array of permaculture demonstration sites and highlight how mushrooms can integrate into the "big picture." with discussions and content including:<br />
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Mycology 101: The basics<br />
Permaculture Principles Applied: Mushrooms as Waste = Food<br />
Mushrooms & Forest Health<br />
Integrated Systems: Shiitake/Duck, Stropharia Polyculture<br />
Stropharia inoculation on woodchips<br />
Oyster inoculation on paper<br />
Shiitake inoculation on log bolts<br />
Lions Mane inoculation on log totems<br />
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We'll also look at the specific context of the site (farm vs market garden/bioshelther vs. backyard) and discuss how mushrooms can be integrated to contribute to overall system health. More about these amazing, evolving demonstration sites in MA, PA, and NY:<br />
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Brook's Bend Farm<br />Montague, MA: April 21 from 10:00am - 4:00pm<br />$80 includes one inoculated log & paper substrate</h3>
Brook's Bend is a 90 acre working farm where multiple enterprises share stewardship of the land's resources. While the farm produces lamb, woolens and forestry products such as cultivated mushrooms and milled lumber, Clearpath Herbals (www.clearpathherbals.com) trains apprentices in cultivating and preparing medicinal herbs in field and forest gardens, Wolf Tree Programs (www.wolftreema.com) runs mentoring programs for children and youth sharing wilderness skills and nature awareness, and a Whole Systems Education and Training Center is establishing plantings and system designs based on permaculture design principles. In 2012, we anticipate the formation of a 501c3 to help us steward the resources of land and community for many more years to come.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bioshelter.com/">Three Sisters Farm</a><br />Sandy Lake, PA: May 12<br />10:00am - 4:00pm<br />$75 includes one inoculated log & paper substrate</h3>
Three Sisters Farm is a five-acre permaculture farm in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. For more than 20 years, the farm has provided produce for markets throughout Western PA, including Pittsburgh. At the heart of the farm’s operations is the bioshelter. This unique structure is part greenhouse, part chicken coop, part hot tub and all permaculture. This bioshelter is a far cry from the plastic-film covered hoop houses heated with coal, oil or gas. With careful design and attention to the operation of the system, the bioshelter stays productive through the coldest of months. The farm offers regular educational opportunities and tours to the public.<br />
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<a href="http://rochesterpermacultureinstitute.org/">Rochester Permaculture Center</a><br />Rochester, NY: May 13 from 10:00am - 4:00pm<br />Sliding Scale $60 -$100 includes one inoculated log & paper substrate</h3>
A program of Seeking Common Ground, Inc., RPC is dedicated to exploring, modeling, and inspiring more conscious, sustainable, and restorative ways of life through the application of permaculture and other regenerative design techniques and principles. Located in a unique setting, RPC is blessed to have Red Creek flowing across the land, giving us many edges - urban/suburban and creek/forest/neighborhood edge. The overall site is just under an acre, including the homestead. As RPC is still in its infancy, at just over one year old, the systems are still young and more are being woven in during 2012, providing a good opportunity to see the beginning stages of a permaculture site.<br />
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<i style="font-style: italic;">To register for any of these classes, e-mail your name, phone #, and email address to steve@agroforestrysolutions.com. Please note if you prefer payment via credit card or check.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-11219877336477107982012-04-10T21:29:00.002-04:002012-04-10T21:30:07.301-04:00CU Chronicle: Experts suggest grazing cows, sheep, ducks in forestsFrom: <a href="http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April12/Silvopasture.html">http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April12/Silvopasture.html</a><br />
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Ithaca area farmer Steve Gabriel of Work With Nature Design, who is an extension aide in Cornell's Department of Horticulture, is experimenting with the practice in a novel way. With a grant from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, he is pasturing ducks in a mature sugar maple woodlot, which has the added benefit of providing pest control for another of his agroforestry projects, a shiitake mushroom farm.</div>
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"Ducks are currently undervalued as a wonderful animal that has potential to both control pests and provide marketable eggs and meat," Gabriel said. "Integrating them into agroforestry practices would likely get more farmers interested in considering producing niche crops like mushrooms."</div>
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<a href="http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April12/Silvopasture.html">Full article from the Cornell Chronicle</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-3226801496702762972012-04-04T22:24:00.001-04:002012-04-04T22:39:58.415-04:00Are ramps being overharvested?<h2>
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Following simple rules may not apply when it comes to a springtime favorite</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white;">NOTE: This week the post digresses from our usual mushroom fare, but don't forget to check out upcoming <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">classes on mushroom cultivation</a> in NY, PA, MA, and VT and info about our <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-csa.html">summer mushroom CSA</a>.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>From Jennifer May for the New York Times:</b> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/dining/20forage.html">click for article</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone who has come across the Ramp, or Wild Leek, <span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><i>allium tricoccum,</i> likely can't help but feel a sense of abundance; the spring ephemerals (plants that make a brief spring appearance before forest canopies have leafed out) often show up in clusters that can range from a few square feet to a solid quarter acre or more of green. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">For years I've looked forward to harvesting this tasty, tangy, and nutritious plants and felt I could easily harvest a hearty share without inflicting any harm on the population. I used as a guideline the common "2/3 rule", which suggests that in harvesting one should gather no more than 1/3 of a population to ensure a stable community persists.</span>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">But what is this guideline based on? As I thought more about it, the concept sounded nice and simple but I knew better, for plants and ecosystems are rarely able to be summarized in such a way. Further, I imagined an inherent problem with applying a blanket rule to wild plants when I know that the dispersal patterns, regeneration, and regrowth characteristics are vastly different from plant to plant. Some, like ramps, appear to be very fragile by nature, while others, like Stinging Nettle (</span></span><i style="line-height: 16px;">urtica dioica</i><span style="line-height: 16px;">) is persistent to the point where many consider it a nuisance species. (not me - I love to consume them as a management tool)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><i><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A practice I've been working at for the past year or so is to follow the tracks of hearsay and try to see if I can find research and evidence to support a given claim. The very nature of agroforestry systems is that they operate on longer timescales, demanding careful thought and planning for all activities, whether we are conducting a timber stand improvement, cultivating mushrooms, or wildcrafting edibles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">Recently with the promotion of my fifth year of <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/03/which-mushroom-class-is-right-for-me.html">mushroom classes</a> and the first year of a <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-csa.html">mushroom CSA</a>, I've committed myself to backing up any claims with documentation. I wanted to be sure there was good documentation behind my post on all the <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/02/forest-grown-mushrooms-superfood.html">nutrition in shiitake</a>, and also that the claim that shiitake can <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/03/shiitake-accumulates-vitamin-d-when.html">accumulate Vitamin D when dried in the sun</a> was validated. Backing up ideas with fact is a simple concept, </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">something I hear a lot of talk about in permaculture circles, at my job at Cornell, and as I discuss sustainability in the community. In practice well-researched material seems to often be an afterthought much of the time, so I figured I would look a bit closer at Ramps in this regard.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">I must give credit to Professor Ken Mudge, whom I've been fortunate to work with for many years, for pointing me to some good literature on the subject. The only previous mention I'd seen on the issue of overharvesting Ramps was a<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/dining/20forage.html"> New York Times article from last April</a> that mostly asked the question without providing any answers. The first, a 2004 study entitled, "</span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.conservationevidence.com/individual-study.php?id=219" style="line-height: 16px;">Population recovery of wild leek Allium tricoccum following differential harvesting in the southern Appalachians</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">" cites a startling conclusion after trials harvesting at various intensities over a four year period:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">"</span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 20px;">Harvesting wild leek is not sustainable except at very modest levels. Using the results of this study to predict recovery times, by assuming that growth rates and concomitant recovery times are affected in a consistent manner by levels of harvesting, the sustainable harvest level is predicted to be 10% or less, once every 10 years."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 20px;">Another research project comes from the British Ecological Society, who<a href="http://www.jstor.org.proxy.library.cornell.edu/stable/2261228?seq=2"> published a 5 year study </a>in Quebec that studied a dense population of Ramps in detail. The conclusion was less dramatic but still highlighted that even a small harvest percentage could have a big impact:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 20px;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 20px;"><i>"In a particularly unproductive season like 1985 -86, even a 5% harvest is deleterious, and in all other years a decline is predicted when a 15% harvest is stimulated."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Many questions remain. It is not only that one harvest, but HOW they harvest that could make a difference (</span><a href="http://botanicalposters.com/blog/129/the-sustainability-of-harvesting-ramps/" style="line-height: 20px;">see this interesting blog post</a><span style="line-height: 20px;">). It might be more sustainable if just the green tops are cut and the </span><a href="http://theonefeather.com/2012/02/do-you-dig-it-please-dont/" style="line-height: 20px;">bulbs left in the ground</a><span style="line-height: 20px;">. It MIGHT be more sustainable if care is taken to harvest the more mature bulbs and leave the young ones. These details we don't know. <b><i>What we do know is that a harvest over 10% is likely detrimental, but to be safe one should aim for a maximum of 5% each year for a given population.</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This becomes trickier when harvesting from populations on public lands where multiple people may come through hunting for the ramps. It demands that we take more time to observe, catalog, and note the changes in populations from year to year. And, when in doubt, we should err on the side of caution. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">To further reduce stress on wild populations, those interested in ramps should consider cultivation. This <a href="http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-133.html">factsheet from NC State</a> is a useful guide for getting started.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Agroforestry is an exciting agricultural prospect because we can simultaneously become stewards of healthy forests and enjoy harvests both wild and cultivated. Yet, as with any agricultural practice, care and attention needs to be given to ensure that our forest diversity is protected, and that we can ensure our forests can be enjoyed far into the future. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-24646089803710736832012-03-28T11:36:00.002-04:002012-03-28T12:51:11.133-04:00Which Mushroom Class is right for me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Interested in mushroom cultivation on a backyard, hobby, or small commercial scale? Workshops offered this April, May, and June offer participants basic cultivation techniques and connect them to the possibilities of growing in many contexts. This year we are trying to focus our education to address the unique needs of different audiences around the Northreastern US. Read more below to learn about which class may best address your interests. <br />
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All classes will teach participants about the basics of growing shiitake, stropharia, and oyster mushrooms. At some we'll also throw in Lions Mane cultivation, which is currently being researched for its potential at Cornell University. <br />
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<i><b>Are you....</b></i></h2>
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<b>Mostly interested in the learning the basics of cultivation?</b></h1>
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Try attending on of the mushroom demonstration events. These are three hour classes that cover the very basics of mushroom biology and cultivation of shiitake on logs, oyster on toilet paper rolls, and stropharia on sawdust/woodchips. Plus, you get to inoculate your own log and take it home!<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.sunyulster.edu/ce">SUNY Ulster</a></b>, Stone Ridge, NY: </span><span style="font-size: medium;">April 28 from </span><span style="font-size: medium;">1 - 4 pm (almost full!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/hamilton/">Cornell Cooperative Extension Hamilton County</a></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, Piseco, NY:</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;">May 19 from </span><span style="font-size: medium;">1 - 4pm </span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">Understory Mushroom Farm</a>,</b> Mecklenburg NY: May 5 from 9am - 12pm </span><br />
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<b>A landowner looking to utilize your woodlot?</b></h1>
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These classes focus on the use of mushrooms to promote healthy forests, by both discussing the basics of forest ecology, management, and safe chainsaw use, in addition to the basic cultivation techniques described above. <br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Little Farm of Paradise</b>, Hampton NY</span><span style="font-size: medium;">: May 20 from 10am - 3pm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.shannonbrookfarm.com/">Shannon Brook Farm</a></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>,</b> Watkins Glen, NY</span><span style="font-size: medium;">: June 10 from 10am - 3pm</span><br />
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<h1>
An established or new farmer looking for an exciting niche crop?</h1>
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Join us for a two day intensive seminar at Understory Mushrooms, a 1 acre mushroom operation on a beautiful 35-acre farm in the Finger Lakes of New York. Camping is available as we learn basic inoculation techniques Saturday morning and delve into laying yard design, harvesting, and marketing Saturday afternoon and into Sunday. In addition to seeing our 1000 log operation, we'll visit our friend Steve Sierigk at Hawk Meadow Farm, who has been growing and selling shiitakes for the past 8 years. We'll also have a mushroom feast pond-side on Saturday evening. <br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">Understory Mushroom Farm</a>,</b> Mecklenburg NY: May 5 & May 6</span><br />
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Interested in both cultivation and wild foraging of mushrooms? </h1>
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Both of our Vermont classes feature a collaboration with Ari Rockland-Miller of the <a href="http://themushroomforager.com/">Mushroom Forager</a> blog. In the morning we'll focus on cultivation and after lunch we'll head to the woods where Ari will discuss strategies for foraging, safe identification, and sustainable harvesting in the wild. Yum!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.shelburnefarms.org/">Shelburne Farms</a></span></b>, Shelburne, VT:
<span style="font-size: medium;">June 2 from 9:00am - 4:00pm</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.twinpondretreat.com/">Twin Pond Retreat</a></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">, Brookfield, VT: June 3</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> from 9:00am - 4:00pm </span>
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<i><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/registration.html"></a></span></i><br />
<h1>
Curious about the connections between mushrooms and permaculture?</h1>
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Permaculture is a design system that focuses on the production of food, fibre, and energy while restoring degraded ecosystems. Mushrooms are but one part in this whole systems approach to gardening, farming, and forestry. These classses will be held at permaculture demonstration sites and highlight how mushrooms can integrate into the "big picture."<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Brook's Bend Farm</b>, Montague, MA</span><span style="font-size: medium;">: April 21 from 10:00am - 4:00pm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.bioshelter.com/">Three Sisters
Farm</a></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, Sandy Lake, PA: May 12</span><span style="font-size: medium;">: May 12 from 10:00am - 4:00pm</span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://rochesterpermacultureinstitute.org/events/workshops-classes-et-al/">Rochester
Permaculture Center</a></b>, Rochester, NY</span><span style="font-size: medium;">: May 13 from 10:00am - 4:00pm </span></div>
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For more information on classes and to register, please visit our <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">classes page</a> at <a href="http://www.agroforestrysolutions.com/">www.agroforestrysolutions.com</a> or email <a href="mailto:steve@agroforestrysolutions.com">steve@agroforestrysolutions.com</a> if you have questions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-13363509514717310172012-03-16T09:05:00.000-04:002012-03-16T09:14:35.446-04:00Shiitake Accumulates Vitamin D when Exposed to Sunlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiitake">Shiitake mushrooms</a> have been long valued in many cultures for their health benefits, but the <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/02/forest-grown-mushrooms-superfood.html">exceptional nutrition</a> not only comes with fruiting, but can be "value-added" as well. The most remarkable of these is the ability of shiitake to accumulate Vitamin D when exposed to UV rays, whether synthetic or natural.<br />
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xenoncorp.com%2FImages%2FVitaminDEnrichment.pdf&ei=vTljT4GQO6HaiQLG9oiiDw&usg=AFQjCNHWxDvPEwLgA1yJBRoO-YQgp1d3Zg&sig2=LZHbaWYb9IaseU2hoPXJ_g">One interesting study</a> looked at the use of pulsed UV light to increase vitamin D content in button, crimini, oyster, and shiitake. The results of this study demonstrated that, "after a very short exposure time of about 1 sec (system generates 3 pulses per second) the Vitamin D2 content of these mushroom varieties can be increased from very little to upwards of <b>800% DV/serving</b>."<br />
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<a href="http://www.alohamedicinals.com/book2/chapter-1-02.pdf">Another study</a> mentioned by <a href="http://www.alohamedicinals.com/">Aloha Medicinals</a> noted that even in drying shiitake in the sun (a less intense form of UV exposure) for at least 3 hours led to an increase of Vitamin D by up to <b>5 times</b> the normal amount. This means that through simple exposure we can increase the already impressive pallate of health benefits offed by shiitake.<br />
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What's the big deal with Vitamin D? The vitamin is converted in the liver and kidneys and in its active form supports maintaining blood levels of phosphorus and calcium while also promoting bone mineralization and absorption of calcium. It is also linked to supporting a healthy immune system and regulation of cell differentiation and growth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-d-deficiency">Deficiency in Vitamin D</a> is linked to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Those at risk for deficiency include infants who are exclusively breast fed, seniors, and people with limited sun exposure. Vitmin D deficiency is a very common <span style="color: black;">occurrence</span> <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132353.htm">among cancer patients<span id="goog_1579338860"></span><span id="goog_1579338861"></span>. </a><br />
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<a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-csa.html">Understory Mushrooms</a> offers dried mushrooms <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/fingerlakesforestproductsmushrooms.html">by the ounce</a> and we are also able to accommodate customers who want dried shiitake mushrooms as an option in a <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-csa.html">CSA share</a>. All of our dried mushrooms will spend at least 3 hours in the sun and are finished in a conventional dehydrator, which means they can be safely stored for months at a time. Mushrooms can be picked up at locations in Trumansburg and Ithaca, NY and also mailed to ANY location in the Northeastern USA.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-26850694587878314822012-03-07T08:47:00.001-05:002012-03-07T08:51:40.697-05:00How many mushroom logs do I need?<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DESIGNING SYSTEMS TO MATCH YOUR GOALS</b></span><br /><br />
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Enthusiastic new growers that attend mushroom inoculation classes often want to know how many logs they should be inoculating to get a reasonable yield. Their response is often met with the response familiar to many gardeners and farmers, "it depends." The trick is matching the quantity of logs with the goals for yield and the willingness to invest time in proper management.<br />
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Before we look at the various scales of log-grown shiitake production and some ballpark estimates, its important to know a few basics about mushroom production.<br />
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First, logs are inoculated and fruiting can be expected the FOLLOWING season (i.e. if I inoculate logs this May, then the will begin fruiting NEXT May)<br />
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Second, if you want decent flushes of mushrooms you'll want to soak your logs by submerging them in cold water for 24 hours.<br />
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Third, after soaking a log, the mushrooms will flush 1/4 - 1/2 a pound per log, on average. Sometimes more.<br />
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And finally, logs need a rest period of 8 weeks after soaking.<br />
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In addition to knowing the process, its key to match your system to your goals. How much time do you want to spend harvesting, inoculating, and managing your logs? If you aren't trained in chainsaw safety, where will logs be acquired from? Are you able to check your logs daily, to harvest mushrooms at peak maturity?<br />
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Thus, the answer(s) to the question, "How many logs do I need...." can be answered in many ways:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvMHg_tpk2iN9ZRJ-ewoOlLI_u2E97aGtotAhaf08za0-EVlPhZSH8jIK_qo2cauUSosdlWV9-xaXSOjMrnOL5yXrctv37FM_G30UvlkYLh-a3VWMxrcYzUNGiKuOEIZRzc3QEaSwD4g/s1600/DSC00736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvMHg_tpk2iN9ZRJ-ewoOlLI_u2E97aGtotAhaf08za0-EVlPhZSH8jIK_qo2cauUSosdlWV9-xaXSOjMrnOL5yXrctv37FM_G30UvlkYLh-a3VWMxrcYzUNGiKuOEIZRzc3QEaSwD4g/s320/DSC00736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard system: 30 logs + an old bathtub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>....to cook in one meal a week? = 8 logs</b><br />
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This means you soak one log each week and get 1/4 - 1/2 pounds with each flush. That's enough for a decent meal (or two). You could easily stash this number of logs under a porch or a single tree and soak in a trash can or even an old bathtub.<br />
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<b>....to feed family & friends? = 32 logs</b><br />
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Soaking 4 logs a week should yield between 1 and 2 pounds per week, which is plenty for eating and dehydrating some for the off-season or to give as gifts. An old kiddie pool would suffice for soaking.<br />
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<b>....to make a little side income? = 160 logs</b><br />
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If you soaked 20 logs a week, you could gross between $60 and $160/week. That's a yield of 5 - 10 pounds that you sell for $12/lb wholesale or $16/lb retail. We aren't talking about a huge investment of time here; a well managed system could be maintained in 5 hours or less per week.<br />
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<b>....to make it a career? = 10,000 logs</b><br />
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Now we are getting serious! Soaking 1,250 logs a week would yield 300 - 600 lbs of mushrooms, which for $10/lb would gross $60,000 - $120,000 over a 20 week period, June through October. Expenses are considerable - at this scale mechanization and hired hands would be necessary. It's possible to make 40 - 60% of this gross as profit.<br />
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<a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/fingerlakesforestproductsmushrooms.html">Understory Mushrooms</a> is aiming to make its operation one part of a larger farm ecosystem, with our production likely to peak around 3,000 logs. Soaking 375 logs a week is probably about the maximum we can handle with human power.<br />
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Our farming plans for the future include other forest grown wood products, mixed rotational grazing of animals, and ongoing education on forest-based agriculture systems.<br />
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Learn more details of mushroom inoculation, not only for shiitake but also stropharia, oyster, and lions mane at one of several <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">mushroom inoculation classes</a> offered this spring and summer in New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.<br />
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More information on the classes below can be accessed at <a href="http://www.agroforestrysolutions.com/">www.agroforestrysolutions.com</a><br />
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INOCULATION DEMONSTRATIONS<br />
CCE Steuben County, Bath, NY: March 24<br />
SUNY Ulster County, Kingston, NY: April 28<br />
CCE Hamilton County, Piseco, NY: May 19<br />
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MUSHROOMS IN PERMACULTURE SYSTEMS<br />
Brook's Bend Farm, Montague, MA: April 21<br />
Three Sisters Farm, Sandy Lake, PA: May 12<br />
Rochester Permaculture Center, Rochester NY: May 13<br />
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SMALL SCALE SHIITAKE PRODUCTION<br />
Anderson Farm, Mecklenburg, NY: May 5th & 6th<br />
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MUSHROOMS & FOREST MANAGEMENT<br />
Little Farm of Paradise, Hampton NY: May 20<br />
Shannon Brook Farm, Watkins Glen, NY: June 10<br />
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MUSHROOMS WILD & CULTIVATED<br />
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT: June 2<br />
Twin Pond Retreat, Brookfield, VT: June 3<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-38488030539865874102012-02-29T08:43:00.001-05:002012-02-29T08:45:20.599-05:00Forest Grown Mushrooms a Superfood<h1>
Weekly CSA offering the northeast US shiitake mushrooms for health & healing</h1>
2.29.12<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s1600/DSC00730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s200/DSC00730.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Many people appreciate the texture and unique taste of mushrooms without really knowing the full extent of their nutritional qualities. In fact, its easy to make the case that shiitake mushrooms are a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfood">superfood</a>. Some of these amazing attributes include:<br />
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<b>GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN WITH ZERO SATURATED FATS</b><br />
The proteins contained in shiitake are composed of 18 types of amino acids, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids in a ratio similar to the "ideal protein" for humans. These mushrooms are one of the best sources of protein you can eat, especially for vegetarians/vegans looking to substitute animal proteins in their diet. (<a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2488/2">Resource</a>)<br />
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<b>SHOWN TO SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER CHOLESTEROL LEVELS </b><br />
Multiple studies conducted over the last ten years have demonstrated that an active component in shiitake called eritadenine "significantly decreased the plasma total cholesterol concentration, irrespective of dietary fat sources..." (<a href="http://www.scienceofcooking.com/health_benefits_of_shiitake_mushrooms.htm">Resource</a>)<br />
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<b>CONTAINS ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES</b><br />
The polysaccharide lentinan, a (1-3) ß-D-glucan, is the compound most associated with cancer prevention properties of shiitake. In addition, lab experiments have shown that many of the trace components in shiitake provide blockages to tumor growth, and researchers have proposed that more than 100 different types of compounds in shiitake mushrooms may work together to accomplish anti-tumor results. (<a href="http://www.scienceofcooking.com/health_benefits_of_shiitake_mushrooms.htm">Resource</a>)<br />
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<b>SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM BALANCE</b><br />
The best documented health benefit, shiitake mushrooms are a unique supporter of the immune system. What is most interesting are that a number of studies have demonstrated the ability of shiitake to help prevent excessive immune system activity. At the same time, an equal number of studies have shown the ability of shiitake mushrooms to help stimulate immune system responses under certain circumstances. From a dietary perspective this means that shiitake appear to both give the system a boost when needed, and cut back on activity when beneficial to the body. (<a href="http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=122">Resource</a>)<br />
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<b>PACKED FULL OF VITAMINS & ENZYMES</b><br />
"Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of three B vitamins (vitamins B2, B5 and B6), a very good source of one additional B vitamin (B2); a very good source of six minerals (manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, copper and zinc); a very good source of dietary fiber; and a good source of protein, magnesium, and vitamin D." In addition, fresh shiitake contain over 30 different enzymes. (<a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2488/2">Resource</a>)<br />
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(Links to references for the above can be found at: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/AgroforestryResources">http://tinyurl.com/AgroforestryResources</a>)<br />
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<b>Understory Mushrooms</b>, based out of Mecklenburg, NY is selling <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-csa.html">weekly CSA</a> shares of log-grown shiitake mushrooms this season, conveniently available alongside vegetable CSA pick up locations in Ithaca and Trumansburg, NY or mailed directly to your door!<br />
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Our season begins in late June and runs through early September.<br />
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<b> Membership Benefits:</b><br />
- A share of fresh, log grown mushrooms each week<br />
- Weekly recipe, update from the farm, and mushroom facts<br />
- Two quart mason jars of dried mushrooms for storage at the end of the season <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
- Discounts on our spring workshops & other products we sell<br />
- A few mushroom-related surprises along the way!<br />
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<b>Choose from three sizes:</b><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>SMALL: 1/2 pound for $8/week = $96 (enough for one hearty mushroom meal)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>MEDIUM: 1 pound for $12/week = $144 (enough to enjoy in a few meals)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>LARGE: 2 pounds for $22/week = $264 (you are in mushroom heaven - ideal for <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>vegetarians looking for quality protein)<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you wish to receive shiitake by mail, shipping charges apply.<br />
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Mushrooms are also available by pound fresh and by the ounce dried, with ample notice.<br />
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See our website for more details. Shares are limited! Sign up today.<br />
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<a href="http://www.understorymushrooms.com/">www.UnderstoryMushrooms.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-63149416271113266422012-02-21T21:09:00.000-05:002012-02-22T10:44:28.198-05:00Funding Granted for Research on Integrated Mushroom/Duck Agroforestry System<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s1600/DSC00737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s320/DSC00737.JPG" width="320" /></span></a>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As mentioned in a <a href="http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2011/12/on-ducks-mushrooms-healthy-forests.html">post made last December</a>, Work With Nature
LLC applied for funding through <a href="http://www.nesare.org/">Northeast SARE</a> to support researching the
feasibility of integrating meat duck production with cultivation of
forest-grown shiitakes. We are please to announce we’ve been granted the funds
to proceed with our research!</span>
Our rationale behind the need for this research was as
follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(excerpt from grant)</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Log grown shiitake
mushrooms are a growing interest of many Northeast Farmers. Barriers to entry
include the labor-intensive nature of the process, frequent slug problems, and
that laying yards are situated in woodland areas, often far from normal farm
routines. <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Integration of meat
ducks into the laying yard brings more yields for the farmer on a single trip,
promotes effective slug control, and better utilized forest ecosystems in the
farm landscape. Ducks are an under appreciated farm asset with the potential to
sustainably manage pests while providing high quality products for market.
Little research has been done to demonstrate the potential for integrated duck
farming in the Northeast.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our request for funding following on the heels of a wildly
successful grant effort, <i>“Cultivation of
shiitake mushrooms as an agroforestry crop for New England</i><b>,”</b> a joint
venture of the University of Vermont and Cornell University, which was funded
in 2012. This project has thus far educated over 296 beginning and veteran
farmers in 10 states and currently has 20 selected growers who are establishing
and collecting data on log-grown shiitake cultivation around the Northeast. The
response to this outreach effort has far exceeded the targets set in the grant.
</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4W3U_3LGhrDwTt1Pr2-ZHj0OmcI3ovdPBurcIuX8HZiK1TU-WnMJ5X02_2CAtyXTGXri-TisCPuTIvZRHJ878qwrkjGpB_x1iB_12jInkK-GqU09_W8AizCd1SPDlwMSbQerEKHgIf8/s1600/Picture+16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4W3U_3LGhrDwTt1Pr2-ZHj0OmcI3ovdPBurcIuX8HZiK1TU-WnMJ5X02_2CAtyXTGXri-TisCPuTIvZRHJ878qwrkjGpB_x1iB_12jInkK-GqU09_W8AizCd1SPDlwMSbQerEKHgIf8/s320/Picture+16.png" width="244" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nesare.org/Dig-Deeper/Pictures-Stories-from-the-Northeast/Shiitake-Mushrooms-and-Forest-Farming"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">download PDF</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project organizers recently released a beautiful <a href="http://www.nesare.org/Dig-Deeper/Pictures-Stories-from-the-Northeast/Shiitake-Mushrooms-and-Forest-Farming">guide for shiitake cultivation</a>, which can be downloaded at the <a href="http://www.nesare.org/">Northeast SARE website</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our concept is based on the <a href="http://fingerlakespermaculture.org/?page_id=55">permaculture</a> principle of
stacking in time and space, as the annual yields of mushrooms and duck meat are
stacked in time with the long-term yield of maple syrup and/or timber from a
well-managed forest. By stacking complementary crops in one space, farmers can
do work more efficiently and yield larger and more diverse products on less acreage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Research will be conducted on a roughly 1-acre forested area
that currently hosts the mushroom yard. This is a previously unmanaged forest
with sugar maple dominating the overstory. Our operation currently has around
700 logs, and an additional 500 will be added in 2012 and 500 in 2013.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This trial will be conducted over two mushroom growing
seasons (runs April through October), with the first season focusing on breed
selection (2012), and the second season on system optimization (2013). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY5OUkkMGhi-7e6D85QmK5BAwhftlhyDW3Z2ZoJtKWegORjE3dxQ2kbILKCQyDp58eKRv7Vdr1la5y6_vsHRLbaVXRi7J8kpbF6KtQw00IBNdR0Yov7d6q2Uj-sKEwmmrwoY6Ze4fOSk/s1600/Picture+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY5OUkkMGhi-7e6D85QmK5BAwhftlhyDW3Z2ZoJtKWegORjE3dxQ2kbILKCQyDp58eKRv7Vdr1la5y6_vsHRLbaVXRi7J8kpbF6KtQw00IBNdR0Yov7d6q2Uj-sKEwmmrwoY6Ze4fOSk/s320/Picture+17.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Design of laying yard</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2012, we plan to set up three separate areas: two will
trial different duck species, and one will serve as a control. Each plot will
be about a quarter of an acre (see figure 3). Each area will have approximately
200 - 250 logs, which will be managed in 8 groups of about 20 logs per
group.(Mushroom logs need 8 weeks of rest between soakings.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each week, we will soak a group from each of the three trial
areas on the same day. After soaking we will conduct a slug count of soaked
logs every day until all mushrooms have been harvested (usually 5 – 7 days
aftersoaking). We will also weigh and grade mushrooms harvested each day, and photographing any noted damage to caps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In each of the duck runs we will evaluate 20 Peking and
Muscovy ducks. These are breeds selected for their good meat production,
general tendency to forage, and low maintenance needs. We are keeping the
breeds separate because duck breeds, and Muscovy’s in particular, tend to be
aggressive toward other breeds. At the end of the season we hope to have good
evidence to favor one breed over the other, whether it is because of
temperament, foraging ability, weight gain, or a combination of factors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested in keeping up with our progress on
this project, we encourage you to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Agroforestry-Solutions/131790710256869">“like” us on facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/agroforestryNY">follow us on twitter</a>, or simply sign
up at right to receive e-mail updates. </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/agroforestryNY">Northeast SARE</a>, the technical support of Ken
Mudge and Roger Ort from Cornell, and for members of the <a href="http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu/">Northeast Mushroom Growers Network</a> for providing feedback during our initial survey. </span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inquiries can be directed to <a href="mailto:steve@agroforestrysolutions.com">steve@agroforestrysolutions.com</a>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-4728740709341523062012-02-13T11:13:00.001-05:002012-02-17T14:17:12.282-05:00Active Forest Management for Carbon Sequestration, mushrooms, meat, & wood products<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Published in the January 13th issue of <a href="http://tompkinsweekly.com/">Tompkins Weekly</a> (<a href="http://www.tompkinshosting.com/tompkinsweekly/TompkinsWeekly120213.pdf#page=10">download free PDF copy here</a>)</i></div>
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WHY ACTIVE FOREST MANAGEMENT MATTERS
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Many
people assume that the role forests play in combating climate change is simple;
just leave the trees, and they’ll grow and store carbon as they mature. While
the idea of keeping land forested is important to sequestering more carbon, the
rate of carbon storage a forest is drastically affected by the management choices
that farmers and landowners engage in. And in fact, there is good evidence that
sustainably managed forests may offer more climate benefits than those left
unmanaged. </div>
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In
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.safnet.org%2Fdocuments%2FJOFSupplement.pdf&ei=kS85T4q7HrCGiQKnyemeCg&usg=AFQjCNGpngesXVLVrBAVSH2ckJS7Fp60Mg&sig2=mWQTULkU9mxHjIqKA_ghOA">a report issued last fall</a>, the <a href="http://www.safnet.org/">Society of American Foresters</a> offered the
insights of an extensive review of more than 280 recent studies of forest
carbon relationships and noted that, “Young, healthy forests are carbon sinks.
As forests mature, they generally become carbon-cycle neutral or even carbon
emission sources…decline varies but generally occurs in the first 100–150 years
as tree mortality losses increase.”</div>
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Many
of our local forests are under 100 years old, often the young regrowth
resulting from the widespread abandonment of farmland over the last century.
<a href="http://www.jstor.org.proxy.library.cornell.edu/stable/2996988?seq=1">Forest cover in Tompkins County</a> was around 19% percent in 1900, but the
widespread abandonment of farmland has increased cover to over 60% today. </div>
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But
this trend won’t last forever. As forests get older, the pattern shifts from
growth to decay, which releases carbon. Since much of the forestland is first
generation, active management is needed to maintain a diversity of ages,
balancing the benefits of mature trees with the vigor of new growth. Spreading
the harvest of trees over a longer timeframe and supporting regeneration of
young seedlings ensures forests can continue to be good sequesters of carbon. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcB5TP_LTvROh5UxHMD-exZDjocr7bKqd0OgPKKq0NwgOn077DYN-a8ZBi7rPQM5BKZgcgMlRra0T1CeZrbxnt8tls-krj1cxy3DwxzHHxIwMZ4hSCxenzO15J-x7_SQS1s1b5KBbHXI/s1600/DSC00767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcB5TP_LTvROh5UxHMD-exZDjocr7bKqd0OgPKKq0NwgOn077DYN-a8ZBi7rPQM5BKZgcgMlRra0T1CeZrbxnt8tls-krj1cxy3DwxzHHxIwMZ4hSCxenzO15J-x7_SQS1s1b5KBbHXI/s320/DSC00767.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">American Chestnut stump from civil war era</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Age
is but one factor in the equation. Forest health is another key element. Trees
that are overcrowded, diseased, or stressed from other factors do not grow as
rapidly as those that are given ample sunlight and moisture. Thinning out
weaker trees has the effect of giving the healthiest trees an opportunity to grow
faster and absorb even greater amounts of carbon. </div>
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Relieving
stressors in the forest also means that outbreaks of pests and diseases are
less likely to wipe out a forest, which rapidly increases carbon release to the
atmosphere. As a recent report by the <a href="http://www.ipcc.ch/">Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChanges</a> states, “Sustainable management practices keep forests growing
at a higher rate over a potentially longer period of time, thus providing net
sequestration benefits…”</div>
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To be successful, management
opportunities need to be diverse. Current incentives for managing forests
revolve mostly around timber harvesting, which often dramatically impacts the
forest by removing many of the older and healthier trees that should be left to
re-seed the next generation. More
localized, small scale, and economical drivers need development to encourage
more people to get into the woods and manage for long-term health.</div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&ved=0CHAQFjAK&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.centerforagroforestry.org%2F&ei=SDA5T9jgIeTZiALd3dCTCg&usg=AFQjCNHjsXsYU36mxGg913UOfhT8MSFuzg&sig2=rcxb5MRjugkfLtEBtZiB4A">Agroforestry</a> practices provide real
potential to involve farmers and foresters in a cooperative effort to engage in
good management while growing crops for a multitude of income streams. Of these
practices, two in particular are being promoted as promising new forms of
agriculture: silvopasture and forest farming.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_0sQ5g_T3OWTxwVf8BHzHocAsc9LOhyHTPZ1pOQsLEjESUQKmvB0N9Wpy0hqqrwWxPcBcwv6TMeyc4gXKKydxZBDKsiHk0-3wfiuJcXDN2E9Lurvoq7LYOPfQfxs3Y1KFwJeoy6oKYs/s1600/wixom+765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_0sQ5g_T3OWTxwVf8BHzHocAsc9LOhyHTPZ1pOQsLEjESUQKmvB0N9Wpy0hqqrwWxPcBcwv6TMeyc4gXKKydxZBDKsiHk0-3wfiuJcXDN2E9Lurvoq7LYOPfQfxs3Y1KFwJeoy6oKYs/s320/wixom+765.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.unl.edu%2Fnac%2Fsilvopasture.htm&ei=YjA5T6GUOsWviQLO6amxCg&usg=AFQjCNGuzrzbYt8YLzlOgyVOHCbFWooDvQ&sig2=e21J4RnzgRttwMkEfk7sIg">Silvopasture</a> combines forestry
(Silvo means “forest”) with rotational grazing of livestock, which benefits the
trees, the animals, and the farmer. The practice including thinning appropriate
forests to about a 50% canopy cover and growing native perennial grasses in the
understory, which are grazed by animals and then allowed a rest period. <i>(<a href="http://workwithnaturedesign.blogspot.com/2011/11/northeast-silvopasture-conference-117.html">see previous blog post</a>)</i></div>
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The resulting system provides a
sustainable source of meat in the short-term and also can yield a multitude of
wood products including firewood, timber, mushroom logs, fenceposts, etc.
Alternatively, nut trees could be planted for a food yield. Good rotational
grazing practices have also shown to bolster carbon sequestration in soil,
which means this system could be an incredible carbon sink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s1600/DSC00730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s200/DSC00730.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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Forest farming is a practice of
cultivating forest crops such as mushrooms, medicinal plants, and fruits under
an existing forest canopy. Of these practices, the most developed in the
<a href="http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu/">Northeast United States is cultivation of edible mushrooms</a>, most notably
shiitake. Trees thinned out to improve forest health are inoculated with
mushroom spawn and each log yields 8 to 10 pounds of mushrooms over its
lifetime, with each pound fetching $10 - $12. <i>(more: <a href="http://workwithnaturedesign.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-classes-northeast-new-york.html">Mushroom classes</a> and <a href="http://workwithnaturedesign.blogspot.com/p/mushroom-csa.html">Mushroom CSA</a>) </i></div>
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Systems like the above mentioned
give farmers and landowners direct incentive to manage their forests and <a href="http://cornell.summon.serialssolutions.com.proxy.library.cornell.edu/link/0/eLvHCXMwY2BQADaKk01TLY1Sk8xTk1LSUoDKgLWSSZJFslmyQZIlaN9wWIBpYLhJqJtpBBODBY7Ze_CRAk7AiHJ0d_OHnDNoZAkaA7E0MrM01DMH79oDti-AiTjYzxV5asvE2Bh18yTyGWkQPro84ohxS2jxDT4Q3NjMDHZSqZGxvpMVLqeg1mqIpira7Cq40nITIN_Lggz80IaqgiMkZQkxMKXmCTNwO6YXQQ_rSBVm4ADd6wm6LI7vtTFb_o3Tfsv3r1cU-9s8dyoAcLxoXg">thus support carbon sequestration</a>, along with numerous other benefits that forests
provide, including regulating temperature and wind flows, providing habitat for
many species, and preventing soil erosion. A sustainable future land use must
include tree-based systems as a way to counteract climate change.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Steve Gabriel grew up in Tompkins County and has had a
lifelong interest in forests. He currently promotes agroforestry practices through
Work With Nature, LLC, where the mission is to design and develop
forest-based agriculture systems to preserve and enhance northeastern forests
and support farm economy. He can be reached at <a href="http://www.workwithnaturedesign.com/">www.workwithnaturedesign.com</a>,
where sources for this article may be found.</i></div>
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</b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-23944989954646765262012-02-03T11:57:00.000-05:002012-02-07T08:12:51.717-05:00Learn edible mushroom cultivation this spring<b>ANNOUNCING SPRING 2012 MUSHROOM CLASSES</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiywZNrmNj1d3kAf98xDXIH1qGURXYFn9AgQ4BKitaLrmPJhvLZKQCOPF2_rOLAQPHKUKWAgohktac9VnyPS_-yLh-p53tFBBtYkSZp-fPkaTM3m_b5YRJxov2rgMkMkXJIf8vUyI5WoU/s1600/inoculate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiywZNrmNj1d3kAf98xDXIH1qGURXYFn9AgQ4BKitaLrmPJhvLZKQCOPF2_rOLAQPHKUKWAgohktac9VnyPS_-yLh-p53tFBBtYkSZp-fPkaTM3m_b5YRJxov2rgMkMkXJIf8vUyI5WoU/s200/inoculate.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">many classes are hands-on</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
NEWFIELD, NY -- Work With Nature, LLC is pleased to announce a series of Mushroom classes to be offered March through June in the Northeastern states of New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.<br />
<br />
The classes all focus on different elements of mushroom cultivation and the link of mushrooms to healthy forests, soils, and people. Host sites for the eleven classes include Cornell Cooperative Extension offices, permaculture<br />
demonstration sites, and a range of local farms. <br />
<br />
Workshops are being supported by the <a href="http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/">Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute</a> and the <a href="http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu/">Northeast Mushroom Growers Network</a>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdJzKeaSoWWbUbt_mz3kXCOr1asWwkvriPWW2UkTLZRXS877zBXKGYz_eW-il7firEd-pjkfiT9w1MjKQMvZmlPj7m4QlioN0qniv67Xj9sxYpBXHbO_rZrffWHDxm3udOkjISgu8fE8/s1600/Oystersoil.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdJzKeaSoWWbUbt_mz3kXCOr1asWwkvriPWW2UkTLZRXS877zBXKGYz_eW-il7firEd-pjkfiT9w1MjKQMvZmlPj7m4QlioN0qniv67Xj9sxYpBXHbO_rZrffWHDxm3udOkjISgu8fE8/s320/Oystersoil.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Oysters consuming oil (Source: Fungi Perfecti) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mushroom cultivation and wild foraging have become increasingly popular in recent years as growing interest in the organism has led to a range of discoveries, from the compounds in <a href="http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/shiitake-mushroom">shiitake mushrooms that prevent cancer</a> to<br />
the potential for <a href="http://www.fungi.com/mycotech/petroleum_problem.html">oyster mushrooms to comsume oil from spills</a> to the recent<br />
discovery by a team of <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679201/fungi-discovered-in-the-amazon-will-eat-your-plastic">Yale students that the fungus Pestalotiopsismicrospora is able to decompose plastic trash</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSPkFrKRVc-7qMq6djrCOFdVbtj6J1vzT_JVI7r_xv9VXNuXiFrDR8VMU7bJePxayjPPfqv2DmP9qD1-xYJkhGTkEncNzNyqf1QpyAmi-bKYSn9iUcsUrGwdswSwKAeL5_UjLKzqG44Y/s1600/stropharia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSPkFrKRVc-7qMq6djrCOFdVbtj6J1vzT_JVI7r_xv9VXNuXiFrDR8VMU7bJePxayjPPfqv2DmP9qD1-xYJkhGTkEncNzNyqf1QpyAmi-bKYSn9iUcsUrGwdswSwKAeL5_UjLKzqG44Y/s1600/stropharia.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSPkFrKRVc-7qMq6djrCOFdVbtj6J1vzT_JVI7r_xv9VXNuXiFrDR8VMU7bJePxayjPPfqv2DmP9qD1-xYJkhGTkEncNzNyqf1QpyAmi-bKYSn9iUcsUrGwdswSwKAeL5_UjLKzqG44Y/s200/stropharia.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>stropharia rugosa-annulata</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently, work by <a href="http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu/research.html">researchers at Cornell University</a> has demonstrated the economic potential for farming Shiitake, which are grown on hardwood logs and soaked to force fruiting. Research has established the most suitable northern hardwood species for cultivation (Oak, Sugar Maple, Beech, Ironwood), the proper cultivation methods, and the estimated yields from a well managed operation. A high value food and medicine crop, shittakes retail at $12 to 16 dollars a pound if grown outside naturally on logs.<br />
<br />
Workshops are facilitated by Steve Gabriel, who has been cultivating and experimenting with forest grown mushrooms, maple sugaring, and other agroforestry practices since 2006. Participants will learn several cultivation methods for multiple species (shiitake, lions mane, oyster, and stropharia) that are practical on both a home and small commercial scale and appropriate for all experience levels.<br />
<br />
For more full class descriptions and registration info visit the <a href="http://workwithnaturedesign.blogspot.com/p/classes.html">classes page</a> or call (607) 342-2825. Visitors to the website can also sign up for a weekly blog with mushroom stories, research, and recipes. (see the sidebar on the right!)<br />
<br />
<u>Dates and locations:</u><br />
<b><br />INOCULATION DEMONSTRATIONS</b><br />
CCE Steuben County, Bath, NY: March 24<br />
SUNY Ulster County, Kingston, NY: April 28<br />
CCE Hamilton County, Piseco, NY: May 19<br />
<br />
<b>MUSHROOMS IN PERMACULTURE SYSTEMS</b><br />
Brooks Bend Farm, Montague, MA: April 21<br />
Three Sisters Farm, Sandy Lake, PA: May 12<br />
Rochester Permaculture Center, Rochester NY: May 13<br />
<br />
<b>SMALL SCALE SHIITAKE PRODUCTION</b><br />
Anderson Farm, Mecklenburg, NY: May 5th & 6th<br />
<br />
<b>MUSHROOMS & FOREST MANAGEMENT</b><br />
Little Farm of Paradise, Hampton NY: May 20<br />
Shannon Brook Farm, Watkins Glen, NY: June 10<br />
<b><br />MUSHROOMS WILD & CULTIVATED</b><br />
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT: June 2<br />
Twin Ponds Retreat, Brookfield, VT: June 3<br />
<br />
<b>CONTACT:</b><br />
Steve Gabriel, Work With Nature LLC<br />
www.WorkWithNatureDesign.com<br />
steve@workwithnaturedesign.com<br />
607.342.2825Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674587169529970709.post-52220961510686627172011-12-07T13:51:00.001-05:002012-01-27T19:08:19.022-05:00Mushrooms + Ducks = Healthy Woods?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s1600/DSC00737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQ9j6pO42oj8B5PWTMYd1-X3u0-bbu5MNG5kKl6w8sf03h3FshSQaVn4yw87TYeN84TvdGoFZOYIYTRBjTQ9BhiMSNVnNeDwmP2t17D2yEp3OstRMW5cF-Qyt_m4t5sukYGV6gw7RFU/s200/DSC00737.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
As with many good discoveries, the addition of ducks to the mushroom yard was
made rather haphazardly as my partner Liz and I decided that we'd try
raising them this past summer as an alternative to chickens. I'd heard ducks liked to eat
slugs, and wouldn't it be great, I thought, if I didn't have to spend
time plucking slugs off my mushrooms each morning?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s1600/DSC00730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3LMsdCWNLansKLiUDXKmo2Bgzm3u-afnpejgITOQiGAZinrjFFjR8QIhgFWxztsNJ156y1MlioqPuZsJdOrl2SJ5I3Jhp9JmQbawCbIK_I-VfcDac-_87V29DkBV309_c6WwmQ3l8l8/s200/DSC00730.JPG" width="150" /></a>The results indicated some remarkable success of this integration.
I had almost no slug damage this past season, and the ducks proved to be remarkable foragers, eating significantly less grain than other poultry I've raised before.<br />
<br />
I became intrigued also with the fact that a three way relationship was forming - a polyculture of a <b>producer</b> (sugar maple trees), <b>consumer </b>(ducks), and <b>decomposer </b>(mushrooms). An agricultural ecosystem was emerging!<br />
<br />
I've started to explore the potential of these relationships in more detail, as illustrated below: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_JxSTDcDC92pc7Nr9okxOTig249bslhuaDEjBzGDe2-hDguBW_Dkm4Ngy1NGsdDzxMmnDuQw4lPOIz2digQOuonNFtBob3qXLfEC7HoA-IS9TXTcQbHcXNEGcf-3vQ98GsGnbDqFc0k/s1600/Picture+20.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_JxSTDcDC92pc7Nr9okxOTig249bslhuaDEjBzGDe2-hDguBW_Dkm4Ngy1NGsdDzxMmnDuQw4lPOIz2digQOuonNFtBob3qXLfEC7HoA-IS9TXTcQbHcXNEGcf-3vQ98GsGnbDqFc0k/s640/Picture+20.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click to see larger...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
While much simpler than a natural
ecosystem, it benefits from some of the benefits resulting from
inter-connectivity that are often major challenges in agriculture,
including:<br />
<br />
<b>- economic incentive to manage forests for
longer term yields (in this case, managing overstory trees for maple
sugaring down the road while harvesting mushrooms/duck in the shorter
term)</b><br />
<b>- balancing of pest populations (slugs)</b><br />
<b>- maintenance of intact fertility cycles (forest litter & organisms enhanced by foraging and fertilizing by ranging ducks)</b><br />
<b>-
reduction of feed costs for poultry for meat production (ducks are more
cold hardy, disease resistant and more efficient at utilizing feed vs.
other poultry)</b><br />
<b>- buffering from extremes
(forest ecosystems maintain more stable temperature, humidity, wind
patterns, and are more drought tolerant)</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com