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by Craig Wallin
There’s a big market out there for quality mushrooms. In particular, exotic mushrooms are continuing to grow in popularity. So how can you become a profitable mushroom grower? How can you make the type of money you’ve always wanted? Here’s how:
Oyster mushrooms are one of the most profitable exotic mushrooms you can grow. There’s a massive demand for them. Last year alone, more than two million pounds of exotic mushrooms were grown. Not only is the demand high, but oyster mushrooms are very easy to grow. They take about six weeks from start to harvest time, and no full-time commitment is necessary. You can still have a full-time job or other commitments and be a successful mushroom grower. If you have a few hours a week, you have enough time to grow oyster mushrooms for profit.
So what kind of money can you make? Oyster mushrooms sell for about $6 to $9 a pound. A 100-square-foot growing area can produce, on average, 2500 pounds in a year. That’s around $15,000, or $1250 a month. Need more money? Expand the growing area to produce more mushrooms. Growing oyster mushrooms for profit is certainly not a get-rich-quick scheme, but you can make a nice income. So, how do you get started in mushroom farming?
First, you’ll need to set aside a growing space where you can control the temperature, humidity, and light. Mushrooms need varying amounts of all three at different stages in the growth cycle, and it’s vital that you can regulate them to ensure a good harvest.
Second, and most importantly, ensure you’re maintaining a high level of cleanliness. Pasteurizing your straw growing medium will help remove possible sources of contamination. Be careful not to allow any future sources of contamination to appear. Wipe down and disinfect the surface before spreading the straw to cool down. And, of course, wash your hands thoroughly before handling any items, such as your straw or spawn. If you can help your oyster mushrooms avoid contamination, the yield will be more prominent, and you will get top dollar at the market.
When your oyster mushrooms are ready to be sold, you have several options:
Farmers’ markets draw big crowds eager to buy from the best local growers. This could be you. Set up a booth or stand and get selling. Spots often fill up fast. If this happens, ask another grower if you can share their booth or stand with them.
Restaurants love using fresh mushrooms. Hand out free samples to local chefs, and they just might be interested in what you’re growing. Many growers can sell their entire crop to restaurants and make a nice income.
Grocery stores often stock exotic mushrooms. If you can grow quality mushrooms, and sell them at a better price than an out-of-state distributor, you could see a lot of business come your way.
If you can grow healthy mushrooms and sell them in the right places, then you could see some excellent profits. Growing oyster mushrooms for profit is an easy and quick way to make a great extra income. To learn more about this lucrative cash crop, click here.
