Expanding Shiitake Mushroom Production in Mississippi Through Extension Training and Outreach
Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources
Donna Beliech
Area Horticulture Agent
Mississippi State University Extension
Brandon
Abstract
Mississippi has limited commercial and small-scale production of specialty mushrooms, despite increasing consumer demand and favorable conditions for cultivation using locally available hardwood resources. A key barrier to adoption is the lack of technical knowledge and training among both Extension personnel and the public. Without adequate expertise, producers are less likely to pursue mushroom cultivation as a viable food source or income-generating enterprise. Additionally, opportunities to utilize underused hardwood materials from forest management and urban pruning remain largely untapped. Expanding knowledge of shiitake mushroom production can address multiple needs, including sustainable agriculture, local food production, and income diversification for rural and underserved communities. To address these challenges, targeted education and hands-on training are needed to build Extension capacity and equip communities with the skills required for successful mushroom cultivation. Shiitake mushrooms are a high-value specialty crop with growing demand, yet production knowledge and adoption remain limited in Mississippi. From 2023 to 2025, a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant supported a statewide “train-the-trainer” initiative to increase Extension capacity and promote shiitake mushroom cultivation for home consumption and supplemental income. More than 10 hands-on workshops trained 96 Extension agents in fungal biology, log inoculation techniques, and sustainable use of locally available hardwood substrates. Participants received toolkits and educational resources to deliver community-based programming. Following the training, agents conducted 30 outreach events, reaching 618 Mississippians. Evaluation results demonstrated increased knowledge, improved technical skills, and greater interest in producing and consuming specialty mushrooms. The program successfully expanded Extension outreach, encouraged sustainable use of forest resources, and supported specialty crop diversification. Newly developed Extension publications further enhance access to region-specific production guidance, ensuring continued impact beyond the project period.
Authors: Donna Beliech
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Donna Beliech Area Horticulture Agent, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, 39047-6632