We are a small family run farm located at 519 County Route 4, which is approximately (3) miles outside of the village of Central Square, NY.
MUSHROOMS
We’re probably most known for our seasonal, “Healthy” fresh gourmet Shiitake mushrooms which we routinely supply to many local restaurants within the Cayuga, Jefferson, Oswego and Onondaga counties between May – October. Local restaurants and patrons adore them.
Our mushrooms are grown using 100% Certified Organic mycelium on 100% pesticide-free hardwood logs (Hops-hornbeam, Maple). These species give our mushrooms a natural caramel, buttery and sweet maple flavor. Setting them apart from the rest!
MUSHROOM SUPERIORITY:
Our mushrooms are grown outdoors under a mature hemlock shaded canopy. Being located far from roads or development on our 200 acre farm, they benefit from intense forest air flows and a smorgasbord of natural organic pollens. The mushrooms breathe in oxygen and exhale C02 like humans. Growing outdoors and feeding on the sap wood in the logs produces a healthier mushroom that is 4-10 times more intense than a button mushroom. More uniform tasting with natural vitamins and flavors, compared to your typical indoor Shiitakes local food distributors supply. Those are typically grown inside commercial buildings using artificial lighting on plastic-wrapped sawdust blocks. That’s why the “Top-Chefs” in the world insist upon fresh, Deep-Forest, log grown gourmet Shiitake mushrooms over those indoor or local food-supplier provided products.
FARMING:
Farming isn’t a job, it’s a way of life filled with honor, courage and hard work in and out of the fields. A life powered by dreams, goals and being inspired by God’s wisdom and creations. A life not only devoted to the community and family, but the world. I say it should have been called “FIXING” instead of farming because it often seems that’s all we do! If it’s not a fence, you’re fixing irrigation. When you’re not fixing the tractor you’re welding an implement. If you’re not up to your elbows in dirt, you’re up to your elbows in grease. Spreading gravel on a road one minute and clearing fallen trees the next. Fixing a sign or re-wiring a pump at a moments notice. Almost everything in farming can be overwhelming and seem out of your control. You often feel like a dog chasing its tail with no shortage of things to do on your list each day. You learn to problem solve and prioritize as you go. With regard to nature and the weather; too much or not enough is the rule! Not enough sun, too much heat, not enough water, too much humidity, not enough nutrients, too much wind… or pesky opportunists trying to damage and eat your crops. Inevitably you’ll experience every different natural extreme that could possibly exist within a season. Being prepared and flexible for all those extremes and weather events is the ultimate goal.
The biggest enjoyment in farming by far, is being outdoors. Everything around you is nature all the time. From the fresh air and the sun, to the symphony of insects, birds and wild animals. Nothing is more fulfilling than to witness the change of seasons and cycles of life. Migrating geese and ducks in the fall, to birds building nests in the spring. Fox, fisher, mink, beaver, bobcats, porcupines, racoons, coyotes browsing and prowling for meals. Wild turkeys passing by eating insects. Birds of prey hunting and soaring above on thermals. Watching turtles lay eggs or frogs and fish catching insects with masterful accuracy. Seeing a mother deer across the field looking at you. She’s already investigated that you’re too busy working to be a threat to her and her fawns. As they jump and play chasing one another in circles and underneath her she calmly eats mouthfuls of clover. You can’t ask for better co-workers, or to be blessed to work in one of life’s most symbiotic poems!
SUSTAINABLE:
With the purchase of local tree seedlings we annually plant new species revitalizing the environment and shoring the banks of our wetlands and watersheds. We continually re-plant native trees and shrubs to provide food for a variety of wildlife. This assures our local ecosystem and land is preserved and improved for future generations. We’ve also built and installed wood duck houses for the local watersheds at no cost to the public. Giving back to our community is important. Having kids go afield to help install the houses is always fun, educational and rewarding. Sometimes, we’re even able to provide owl pellets, hornet’s nests, deer antler sheds, and many other fun and interesting items to our local educational and environmental agencies; Syracuse University, SUNY ESF, Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square and other educational facilities nearby.
You can contact us year-round to get more information, call us, text or email to inquire about our products and services. Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you soon.