In this episode, Rubén Parrilla, NOFA/Mass’ Education Director and Technical Services Manager, discusses using spent mushroom substrate, the woody fungi-inoculated byproduct of mushroom farming, to improve soil health. Teeming with microbes, spent mushroom substrate is nutrient-rich and abundant with known benefits as a soil amendment. As a part of our Partnership Grant funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, NOFA/Mass evaluated a sustainable outlet for existing SMS surplus in the Northeast while also improving the soil health and microbial communities of vegetable farms. Joined by Liz Almeida, mushroom farmer and owner of Fat Moon Farm, and host Tony Kennette

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a new USDA initiative that provides education, technical assistance, and support to help producers transition to organic. The partnership is between farmers who are certified, and those looking to become certified! It's so helpful to learn from farmers who have experience in the process. Click the image link to learn more.

Join our host, Tony Kennette, our staff soil scientist Ruben Parilla, and guests William Padilla-Brown and Jake Tulius in a discussion about Soil Microbes & Citizen Science! From tardigrades, and algea, to mycorrhizal networks, this crew will get you salivating for successful soil!

At NOFA/Mass, we work daily to build a stronger, more resilient, organic, regenerative food system that supports farmers, food workers, and healthy communities. But we cannot do it without you! Becoming a member for as little as $10/year will help sustain vital programs in education, policy, food access, carbon farming, soil health, and more. Your membership includes discounts on soil testing and organic certification assistance, a subscription to The Natural Farmer newspaper, and special partner offers.

This episode's discussion is centered around both the farm employer and employee. From resources on where to find job postings, to understanding different models of operating a farm business. Hear real stories and experiences from our panel of farm allstars and prepare for your seasons to come!