Final report for FW23-422
Project Information
The rapid expansion of hemp and recreational cannabis production in the Pacific Northwest has generated large volumes of agricultural byproduct, most notably hemp stalks, that are currently underutilized and often composted or burned. At the same time, mushroom growers in the region rely heavily on imported hardwood sawdust pellets as their primary substrate, creating economic and logistical barriers for small-scale and rural producers. This project explored whether whole, chipped hemp stalks could serve as a viable, economical, and sustainable alternative substrate for gourmet mushroom cultivation.
The study evaluated the performance of hemp stalks compared to oak hardwood sawdust pellets, the current industry standard. Two commercially important mushroom species were tested: Pleurotus ostreatus (blue oyster) and Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane). Four treatment groups were established: supplemented hemp, supplemented sawdust, non-supplemented hemp, and non-supplemented sawdust, with twenty 3-lb grow bags per group. A second trial evaluated lion’s mane on non-supplemented hemp and sawdust substrates.
Results demonstrated that hemp-based substrates supported significantly faster colonization than sawdust across both species and produced equal or higher yields. Notably, non-supplemented hemp performed as well as or better than supplemented sawdust, indicating that costly supplementation may not be necessary when using hemp stalks. Hemp substrates also reduced input costs and reliance on imported materials.
These findings provide growers with a practical, farm-scale pathway to integrate locally available agricultural residues into mushroom production systems without sacrificing yield or consistency. By demonstrating that whole, chipped hemp stalks can perform as well as or better than conventional substrates under realistic conditions, this project offers a scalable model for reducing costs, increasing resilience, and strengthening regional agricultural linkages.
Research Objectives
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Determine first-flush yield (g) of blue oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushrooms grown on two substrates: oak sawdust and whole, chipped hemp stalks.
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Conduct a comparative cost analysis evaluating input costs, labor requirements, and output efficiency for each substrate.
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Measure mycelial growth speed and total time to harvest as indicators of substrate performance and production efficiency.
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Assess contamination incidence and functional tolerance across substrate types.
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Evaluate the accessibility, traceability, and sustainability of sourcing each substrate in the Pacific Northwest.
Education & Outreach Objectives
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Produce a comprehensive grower manual on adapting mycelium to novel substrates, using hemp stalks as the primary case study.
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Create a project video documenting the research process, methods, and outcomes in an accessible, visual format.
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Prepare and submit a scientific paper presenting the experimental design, data, and analysis for peer review.
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Co-author an Extension-style publication translating the research into applied guidance for growers and educators.
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Develop the NETTLE app (Network for Ecological Tools, Trade & Land-based Education) as a living platform to host project materials and facilitate ongoing resource-sharing and collaboration between hemp and mushroom farmers.
Each research and education objective is addressed in the corresponding sections below and supported by quantitative results, figures, and applied recommendations. Together, these objectives ensure that the project generates both rigorous data and durable infrastructure for knowledge-sharing, enabling the findings to remain active, adaptable, and farmer-driven beyond the life of the grant.
The project officially began on June 1, 2023, with initial planning, site preparation, and infrastructure development. During this phase, hoop houses and growing spaces were constructed, organized, and optimized to support controlled mushroom production and consistent data collection.
During summer and fall 2023, industrial hemp was grown and harvested by a collaborating regional farm. Following harvest, hemp stalks were left to field-dry overwinter, reflecting common post-harvest handling practices and allowing material to cure naturally prior to processing.
Throughout winter 2023–2024, no active cultivation trials were conducted due to substrate curing and infrastructure preparation. This period was dedicated to infrastructure refinement, experimental planning, and continued drying of hemp stalk material.
In late summer 2024, substrate preparation began. Dried hemp stalks were processed using an industrial-scale chipper followed by a secondary on-farm chipping step to achieve an appropriate particle size for grow bags. Oak hardwood sawdust pellets were sourced during this period for use as the comparison substrate.
Round 1: Pleurotus ostreatus (blue oyster)
On December 15, 2024, grain spawn for Pleurotus ostreatus was prepared and substrate bags for the first experimental round were assembled and inoculated. Incubation occurred under controlled laboratory conditions, with colonization assessed at standardized observation intervals.
All oyster substrate bags were transferred to fruiting conditions on December 30, 2024. Harvest of first-flush oyster mushrooms occurred between January 25 and February 18, 2025, during which yield data were collected for all productive bags.
Interim Period
Following completion of the oyster trial, growing spaces and equipment were cleaned, inspected, and adjusted as needed. Additional hemp substrate material was processed during this interval, and preparations were made for the second experimental round.
Round 2: Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane)
In late February 2025, grain spawn for Hericium erinaceus was inoculated. Substrate bags were assembled and placed into incubation in late March 2025. Due to the light sensitivity of H. erinaceus during colonization, bags were not disturbed or monitored visually during incubation.
All lion’s mane substrate bags were initiated for fruiting on March 21, 2025. First-flush harvests were completed between April 12 and April 18, 2025, and yield data were recorded for all bags.
Analysis, Writing, and Outreach Development
From May through summer 2025, project efforts focused on data compilation, statistical summarization, and synthesis of results. During this period, drafting began for the grower manual, scientific manuscript, and project video script.
In fall 2025, development of the NETTLE platform accelerated, establishing a digital hub to host project materials and support future knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Coordination with Oregon State University Extension also began during this period to support dissemination planning.
Throughout winter 2025–2026, written materials were refined, figures and tables finalized, and educational content integrated into the NETTLE platform. The Western SARE final report is scheduled for submission by February 2026, reflecting both the completed research trials and the establishment of long-term educational and outreach infrastructure.
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor
- - Producer
Research
This project consisted of two controlled, farm-scale cultivation trials designed to evaluate whole, chipped hemp stalks as a primary lignocellulosic substrate for specialty mushroom production relative to oak hardwood sawdust pellets. The trials examined biological performance, production timelines, contamination dynamics, and yield outcomes under realistic on-farm conditions.
Pleurotus ostreatus and Hericium erinaceus were selected because they represent contrasting cultivation behaviors and economic roles within specialty mushroom production. Pleurotus ostreatus is a fast-growing, aggressive saprophytic species commonly used to evaluate substrate colonization speed, contamination tolerance, and overall production efficiency. In contrast, Hericium erinaceus is slower-growing, more sensitive to environmental disturbance, and widely regarded as a higher-value but more selective species. Testing both species allowed the project to assess substrate performance across a spectrum of fungal growth strategies, increasing the relevance of results for diverse production systems.
Both trials were conducted at a small commercial mushroom farm in Southern Oregon using standardized substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, and fruiting practices. All treatments within each trial were prepared concurrently and exposed to the same environmental conditions in order to minimize confounding variables related to temperature, humidity, light, and airflow.
Trial 1: Pleurotus ostreatus (blue oyster)
The oyster trial employed a four-treatment factorial design testing two variables: substrate type and supplementation.
Substrate types included whole, chipped hemp stalks and oak hardwood sawdust pellets. Supplementation was applied at 10 percent wheat bran by dry weight or omitted entirely.
Wheat bran supplementation was included in the oyster trial to reflect common commercial mushroom production practices and to evaluate whether supplemental nitrogen and carbohydrates were necessary when using hemp stalks as a primary substrate. Including both supplemented and non-supplemented treatments allowed the study to assess whether hemp stalks alone could support robust oyster production, or whether supplementation provided a measurable benefit relative to standard sawdust-based substrates. This resulted in the following treatment groups:
| Group | Substrate | Supplementation |
|---|---|---|
| A | Hemp | +10% wheat bran |
| B | Oak sawdust | +10% wheat bran |
| C | Hemp | None |
| D | Oak sawdust | None |
Each group consisted of 20 replicate substrate bags, for a total of 80 bags. All bags were prepared in the same batch window, inoculated on December 15, 2024, and incubated under identical laboratory conditions.
Colonization was monitored at multiple standardized observation points following inoculation. Because observations were not made on consecutive calendar days, these measurements represent discrete visual assessment intervals rather than continuous daily tracking. At each observation point, the following data were recorded for every bag:
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Estimated percent colonization based on visual assessment
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Qualitative mycelial density, categorized as high or low–medium
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Presence or absence of visible contamination
All oyster bags were initiated for fruiting simultaneously on December 30, 2024 and transferred to a shared greenhouse fruiting environment. Bags were arranged on shelving in consistent numeric order so that replicate positions from each treatment group were evenly distributed across shelves, minimizing positional bias.
Mushrooms were harvested at visual maturity, defined as full cap development prior to significant spore release. First-flush fresh weight was recorded in grams for each bag. Harvests occurred between January 25 and February 18, 2025.
Trial 2: Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane)
The lion’s mane trial employed a two-treatment comparative design evaluating substrate type only.
| Group | Substrate | Supplementation |
|---|---|---|
| A | Oak sawdust | None |
| B | Hemp | None |
Each group consisted of 32 replicate substrate bags, for a total of 64 bags. Bags were prepared using the same methods as the oyster trial and incubated under identical laboratory conditions.
Colonization was not monitored for this species in order to avoid light exposure, which can induce premature fruiting in Hericium erinaceus. All lion’s mane bags were initiated for fruiting on March 21, 2025 and fruited in the same greenhouse environment used for the oyster trial.
First-flush harvests occurred between April 12 and April 18, 2025, and fresh weight was recorded in grams for each bag.
Measured Outcomes
Across both trials, the following performance metrics were evaluated:
Colonization dynamics (oyster trial only)
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Percent colonization over time
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Qualitative mycelial density
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Incidence and outcome of contamination
Production timelines
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Days from inoculation to full colonization for oysters
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Days from fruiting initiation to harvest for both species
Yield performance
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First-flush fresh weight per bag in grams
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Inter-bag variability within treatment groups
This design allowed for direct comparison of hemp and sawdust substrates under identical conditions, while also evaluating the role of supplementation in oyster cultivation and testing substrate performance across two biologically distinct gourmet mushroom species.
All trials were designed to reflect realistic farm-scale conditions rather than laboratory optimization, prioritizing external validity and grower relevance.
Objective 1
Determine first-flush yield (grams) of blue oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushrooms grown on two substrates: oak hardwood sawdust pellets and whole, chipped hemp stalks.
Pleurotus ostreatus (blue oyster)
A total of 79 oyster substrate bags produced measurable first-flush yields across four treatment groups (20 bags per group, with one sawdust-supplemented bag failing to fruit). Mean yields differed substantially by substrate type (Table 1). These differences are illustrated in Figure 1.
Hemp-based substrates outperformed hardwood sawdust in both supplemented and non-supplemented treatments. Non-supplemented hemp (Group C) produced the highest mean yield at 520.2 g per bag, followed closely by supplemented hemp (Group A) at 499.6 g. In contrast, supplemented sawdust (Group B) averaged 349.7 g per bag, and non-supplemented sawdust (Group D) averaged 358.0 g.
Across treatments, hemp substrates yielded approximately 45 to 50 percent more mushroom biomass per bag than sawdust substrates. In addition to higher mean yield, hemp treatments exhibited lower inter-bag variability, particularly in the non-supplemented hemp group (standard deviation 68.8 g) relative to supplemented sawdust (standard deviation 88.5 g).
Wheat bran supplementation modestly improved yield in sawdust substrates (Group B compared to Group D) but did not improve yield in hemp substrates (Group A compared to Group C). The highest-performing treatment in the oyster trial was non-supplemented hemp, indicating that whole chipped hemp stalks alone provided sufficient nutritional and structural support for robust oyster production.
Table 1. First-flush yield of Pleurotus ostreatus by substrate treatment (grams per bag).
| Group | Treatment | n | Mean (g) | SD (g) | Min (g) | Max (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Hemp + 10% wheat bran | 20 | 499.6 | 114.5 | 156 | 726 |
| B | Oak sawdust + 10% wheat bran | 19 | 349.7 | 88.5 | 198 | 536 |
| C | Hemp (no supplementation) | 20 | 520.2 | 68.8 | 332 | 615 |
| D | Oak sawdust (no supplementation) | 20 | 358.0 | 57.6 | 209 | 464 |
One bag in Group B (B9) failed to fruit and was excluded from yield calculations.
Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane)
All 64 lion’s mane substrate bags produced measurable first-flush yields (32 bags per substrate type). Hemp substrates again outperformed sawdust, with higher mean yield and reduced variability (Table 2). This pattern is shown in Figure 2.
Bags grown on hemp averaged 315.2 g per bag, compared to 271.0 g per bag on hardwood sawdust, representing an increase of approximately 16 percent. Hemp substrates also exhibited greater consistency, with a standard deviation of 41.8 g, compared to 62.2 g for sawdust.
Table 2. First-flush yield of Hericium erinaceus by substrate (grams per bag).
| Substrate | n | Mean (g) | SD (g) | Min (g) | Max (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak sawdust | 32 | 271.0 | 62.2 | 125 | 371 |
| Hemp | 32 | 315.2 | 41.8 | 232 | 397 |
Taken together, results from both species indicate that hemp stalks function as a biologically robust and economically efficient primary substrate, even without supplementation.
Objective 2
Conduct a comparative cost analysis evaluating input costs, labor, and output efficiency for each substrate.
Although this project did not begin with a fully standardized cost-of-goods spreadsheet, sufficient data were collected to evaluate the economic implications of substrate choice when paired with measured yield outcomes.
Oak hardwood sawdust pellets are the most commonly used commercial substrate for small- and mid-scale mushroom farms in the Pacific Northwest. During the study period, retail prices for food-grade oak pellets ranged from approximately $0.60 to $0.75 per pound when purchased in 20 to 40 lb bags from regional suppliers. These pellets are uniform and require minimal labor beyond hydration.
In contrast, the hemp stalks used in this study were sourced directly from a neighboring hemp farm where the material is typically composted or discarded following harvest. The stalks were provided at no material cost, with labor inputs including field collection, overwinter drying, two-stage chipping, and transport.
Even when labor and fuel costs are included, regional hemp farmers could reasonably offer chipped stalks at an estimated $0.25 to $0.40 per pound while creating a new revenue stream from an otherwise wasted material.
When yield is considered alongside substrate cost, hemp demonstrated a clear economic advantage. Oyster mushrooms grown on hemp produced approximately 45 to 50 percent more biomass per bag than those grown on sawdust, while lion’s mane grown on hemp produced approximately 16 percent more biomass with lower variability.
In practical terms, growers using hemp substrate could expect higher yield per bag, more predictable performance across batches, reduced need for supplementation, and faster turnaround due to accelerated colonization. These results indicate that whole chipped hemp stalks are not only biologically viable but economically competitive as a primary mushroom substrate.
Table 3. Estimated substrate cost and relative yield outcome comparison.
| Substrate | Estimated cost/lb | Yield outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Sawdust pellets | $0.60–0.75 | Baseline |
| Hemp stalks | $0.25–0.40 | +16–50% yield |
Processing hemp stalks required additional labor for drying, chipping, and storage, highlighting the importance of dry, elevated storage systems to prevent spoilage. This additional labor should be included when comparing true cost-of-goods between substrates. These handling considerations represent a manageable but important factor when adopting hemp substrates at farm scale.
Objective 3
Measure mycelial growth speed and total time to harvest as indicators of substrate performance and production efficiency.
Colonization dynamics differed substantially by substrate type during the Pleurotus ostreatus trial. Visual assessments were conducted at five standardized observation points following inoculation on December 15, 2024. These observations occurred at consistent developmental intervals rather than on consecutive calendar days.
At the first observation point, hemp-based substrates exhibited rapid early expansion, with mean visual colonization exceeding 60 percent across both hemp treatments. Sawdust-based substrates averaged below 10 percent at the same stage. By the second observation point, hemp bags had reached approximately 80 to 95 percent colonization, while sawdust bags ranged from 35 to 75 percent. Hemp bags reached full visual colonization earlier than sawdust bags, which lagged until later observation points. Colonization trajectories by treatment are shown in Figure 3.
Mycelial density was consistently categorized as high across hemp treatments throughout incubation, while sawdust treatments were classified as low to medium during early and mid-incubation stages.
These differences resulted in a shorter effective production cycle for hemp substrates, allowing fruiting to be initiated while some sawdust bags were still completing colonization. Under commercial conditions, this earlier readiness would permit faster turnover and increased seasonal production capacity.
Objective 4
Assess contamination incidence and functional tolerance across substrate types.
Visible contamination was rare across all treatments. Minor contamination consistent with Trichoderma species was observed in three bags within the supplemented hemp group. In all cases, contamination remained localized and was overtaken by Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium. These bags fruited normally and produced marketable mushrooms.
No visible contamination was observed in non-supplemented hemp or in most sawdust treatments. One sawdust-supplemented bag failed to fruit despite the absence of visible contamination.
These observations indicate low contamination incidence overall and demonstrate that hemp substrates do not increase contamination risk under pasteurized farm-scale conditions.
Objective 5
Evaluate the accessibility, traceability, and sustainability of sourcing each substrate in the Pacific Northwest.
This project revealed substantial differences between hardwood sawdust pellets and whole hemp stalks in terms of accessibility, traceability, and regional sustainability.
Accessibility
Hardwood sawdust pellets are readily accessible through retail farm-supply stores and online vendors. During this project, oak pellets were sourced from Coastal Farm & Ranch (Bear Mountain brand), with retail pricing ranging from approximately $0.60–$0.75 per lb in 20–40 lb bags. While these products are consistently available, they are typically shipped from outside the region and depend on industrial wood-product supply chains.
By contrast, industrial hemp production has expanded significantly across Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. According to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports (2024–2025), Oregon maintains several hundred licensed hemp producers and thousands of acres under cultivation annually. Despite this scale, hemp stalk biomass remains largely underutilized following flower or seed harvest.
During this project, direct conversations were conducted with two regional hemp farmers. Both reported that stalk material is currently:
- Composted in-field
- Burned
- Stockpiled without a clear use
Neither farmer had an established commercial outlet for stalks, nor were they aware of regional markets for this material. This indicates that while sawdust pellets are commercially accessible, hemp stalks are physically abundant but economically idle. With minimal coordination, hemp stalks could be sourced locally in quantities sufficient to supply small and mid-scale mushroom operations.
Traceability
Commercial sawdust pellets provide limited upstream transparency. Packaging typically lists only:
- Wood species (e.g., “oak”)
- Bag weight
No information is provided regarding:
- Geographic origin of the wood
- Forest management practices
- Whether the material derives from virgin timber or industrial byproducts
- Prior chemical treatments
For mushroom growers who prioritize organic production, food safety, or ecological stewardship, this lack of transparency presents a meaningful limitation.
In contrast, hemp stalks sourced directly from local farms offer full traceability. In this study, the mushroom producer was able to verify:
- Field location and growing conditions
- Input practices (no synthetic chemicals)
- Harvest timing
- Storage and drying methods
- Processing steps
This level of transparency is rarely achievable with commercial pellet products and is increasingly important for growers serving direct-to-consumer markets, medicinal mushroom buyers, and values-driven agricultural systems.
Sustainability
Hardwood sawdust pellets rely on an external wood-products supply chain that may include long-distance transport, industrial milling and pelletization, and unclear forest impacts. While pellets are convenient and uniform, they are embedded within opaque, energy-intensive industrial systems.
Hemp stalks, by contrast, are an agricultural residue generated on-site during fiber, seed, or flower harvest. In the absence of reuse, they are commonly burned or composted, representing lost material value.
This project demonstrates that whole chipped hemp stalks can be converted into a high-value food crop input without chemical processing or sterilization. The reuse of stalks:
- Diverts agricultural waste
- Reduces dependence on distant wood-product supply chains
- Creates a new revenue pathway for hemp farmers
- Strengthens regional agricultural loops
By demonstrating that minimally processed hemp stalks are biologically effective and economically competitive as a mushroom substrate, this project establishes a practical bridge between two agricultural sectors that rarely interact despite operating in close geographic proximity. Hemp farmers gain a viable outlet for an underutilized byproduct, while mushroom growers gain access to a locally sourced, fully traceable substrate.
Hemp stalks therefore represent a uniquely aligned resource for regional mushroom production: abundant, transparent, and derived from an agricultural waste stream. This objective directly supports the project’s broader goal of strengthening local agricultural networks through circular resource use and on-farm collaboration in the Pacific Northwest.
Research outcomes
This project generated practical, farm-relevant knowledge that supports more resilient and efficient agricultural production systems in the Western United States. By evaluating whole, chipped hemp stalks as a mushroom substrate under farm-scale conditions, the study addressed persistent challenges related to substrate cost, supply chain dependence, and material waste. For growers seeking to reduce costs and simplify substrate preparation, whole chipped hemp stalks can be substituted directly for hardwood sawdust pellets without supplementation when producing oyster or lion’s mane mushrooms.
Key Findings and What Was Learned
The most consistent and meaningful outcome of this research was the strong performance of non-supplemented hemp substrates across both mushroom species tested. Whole, chipped hemp stalks supported high yields, rapid colonization, and uniform performance without the addition of nutritional supplements.
Several important insights emerged:
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Non-supplemented hemp stalks supported the highest biological performance. In the oyster trial, non-supplemented hemp produced the highest mean first-flush yield and exhibited low inter-bag variability. Lion’s mane grown on hemp similarly produced higher average yields with greater consistency than hardwood sawdust.
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Hemp stalks alone provided sufficient nutritional and structural support. The strong performance of non-supplemented hemp indicates that additional inputs are not required to achieve robust production, simplifying substrate preparation and reducing costs.
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Faster and more uniform colonization improved production efficiency. Hemp substrates supported accelerated mycelial expansion in oysters, enabling earlier fruiting initiation and more predictable batch performance. Faster turnover is particularly valuable for Western producers operating within seasonal constraints.
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Hemp substrates performed reliably under farm-scale conditions. Low contamination incidence and successful fruiting across treatments demonstrate that hemp stalks are compatible with pasteurized, non-sterile systems commonly used by small and mid-scale growers
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Unexpected lion’s mane outcome. Notably, the strong and consistent performance of Hericium erinaceus on hemp substrates was unexpected given its typical association with hardwood substrates, suggesting that substrate structure and aeration may play a larger role than wood type alone.
These findings provide growers with a clear, data-driven alternative to conventional substrates while reducing dependence on supplemental inputs. These results also suggest potential for further adaptation of fungal strains to hemp-based substrates over time, particularly for growers interested in locally adapted or substrate-specialized cultures.
Contributions to Agricultural Sustainability
This project contributes to sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions emphasized by SARE.
Environmental sustainability:
Using hemp stalks as a mushroom substrate converts an underutilized agricultural residue into a productive input. This reduces waste, minimizes burning or disposal, and decreases reliance on industrial wood-product supply chains.
Economic sustainability:
Non-supplemented hemp substrates produced high yields with reduced input requirements, lowering per-unit production costs for mushroom growers. For hemp producers, stalk utilization represents a potential new revenue stream derived from existing operations.
Social and regional sustainability:
The project highlights opportunities for collaboration between hemp and mushroom producers, two sectors that typically operate independently. Local sourcing improves transparency, strengthens regional supply chains, and supports farmer-to-farmer cooperation in the Western United States.
Practical Recommendations
Based on the outcomes of this project:
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Growers should consider whole, chipped hemp stalks as a primary mushroom substrate without supplementation, particularly for blue oyster and lion’s mane production.
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Hemp substrates can be integrated into existing pasteurized farm systems without increased contamination risk.
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Regional partnerships between hemp and mushroom farms can improve access to locally sourced inputs while strengthening rural economies.
Recommendations for Future Research
Future studies could build on these results by:
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Evaluating additional mushroom species on non-supplemented hemp substrates.
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Assessing second and subsequent flushes to determine long-term productivity.
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Standardizing hemp stalk processing methods to improve consistency.
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Conducting multi-site trials across diverse Western climates.
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Evaluating strain-level variation in substrate response, including whether selective breeding or adaptation over successive generations improves performance on hemp-based substrates.
Education and Outreach
Participation summary:
Educational and outreach activities for this project were designed to translate research findings into accessible and durable resources for growers, educators, and researchers in the Western United States. While the original outreach plan included an in-person regional workshop, this approach was reassessed as the project progressed due to scheduling constraints and the limited effectiveness of a single event during peak agricultural and holiday periods.
In response, outreach efforts were intentionally redirected toward the development of long-term educational materials and a digital dissemination platform that allows growers to engage with project outcomes asynchronously and according to their own operational timelines. This shift prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and farmer-led engagement, and supports broader and more sustained impact than a one-time event.
Educational Materials Development
Educational materials developed through this project include:
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A grower-focused manual on adapting mycelium to novel substrates, using whole, chipped hemp stalks as a primary case study
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A project video documenting the research process, experimental design, and key findings
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A scientific manuscript prepared for journal submission
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A co-authored Extension-style publication translating research results into applied guidance
These materials were developed directly from the research data and observations generated during the cultivation trials. Drafting occurred alongside analysis to ensure accuracy and relevance for agricultural audiences.
Dissemination Strategy
Rather than concentrating outreach around a single event, dissemination was structured around a digital, platform-based approach. As part of this project, the NETTLE app (Network for Ecological Tools, Trade & Land-based Education) was developed to serve as a centralized hub for educational materials and future peer-to-peer exchange.
NETTLE was designed to:
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Host written and video educational resources
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Provide access to research summaries and publications
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Enable future sharing of field observations and adaptations
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Support connections between farmers around materials, tools, and knowledge
At the time of reporting, NETTLE is in an early functional stage and is being refined by the project lead. The platform establishes outreach infrastructure that can be expanded beyond the project period without reliance on additional in-person events.
Analysis of Outreach Approach
The decision to focus on durable, digital dissemination reflects practical constraints faced by producers, including seasonal workload, geographic dispersion, and scheduling limitations. A platform-based approach allows growers to engage with materials asynchronously and revisit them as needed.
By embedding educational resources within a flexible digital framework, this project prioritizes longevity, accessibility, and adaptability over short-term attendance metrics.
Outreach Approach Overview
This project’s outreach efforts emphasize the creation of lasting educational resources and infrastructure rather than time-limited events. Through the development of multi-format educational materials and the NETTLE platform, the project fulfills its educational objectives by making research findings available in ways that support ongoing learning, future collaboration, and farmer-driven innovation.
Educational and outreach efforts for this project resulted in the creation of multiple dissemination-ready resources and the establishment of infrastructure to support ongoing education and farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange beyond the project period.
Educational Outputs Completed or in Advanced Development
As a result of this project, the following educational materials were completed or brought to near completion:
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A grower-focused manual on adapting mycelium to novel substrates, using whole, chipped hemp stalks as the primary case study
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A project video documenting the research context, experimental design, and key findings
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A scientific manuscript prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed journal
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A co-authored Extension-style publication translating research outcomes into applied guidance
At the time of reporting, the project video, grower manual, and associated educational materials are in final stages of production. Final files will be uploaded to the SARE reporting system as they are completed.
These materials collectively address multiple learning styles and audiences, including producers, educators, and researchers.
Development of Outreach Infrastructure
In addition to standalone educational materials, this project resulted in the development of the NETTLE platform (Network for Ecological Tools, Trade & Land-based Education). NETTLE was created as a centralized digital hub to host project resources and support future peer-to-peer exchange among farmers.
At the time of reporting, NETTLE is in an early functional stage and is undergoing refinement by the project lead. While the platform does not yet have active external users, its core structure is in place to support future dissemination of materials, resource sharing, and collaborative learning.
Communication and Engagement Approach
The outreach approach emphasized clarity, transparency, and practical relevance. Educational materials were developed directly from on-farm research data and framed around decision points faced by growers, such as substrate choice, input costs, and production timelines. By prioritizing written, visual, and digital formats, the project supports asynchronous engagement and reduces barriers associated with travel, scheduling, and seasonal labor demands.
Qualitative Outcomes and Lessons Learned
Several qualitative outcomes emerged from the outreach process:
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Developing materials alongside data analysis improved accuracy and ensured that recommendations remained grounded in measured results.
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A platform-based outreach model offers greater flexibility and longevity than single-event dissemination, particularly for producers with variable schedules.
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Integrating educational content within a digital framework creates opportunities for continued learning and future collaboration beyond the life of the grant.
Outreach Results Summary
Although outreach dissemination is ongoing, this project achieved its educational objectives by producing research-based materials and establishing infrastructure designed for long-term access and future engagement. These results position the project to continue contributing to farmer education, regional collaboration, and sustainable agricultural practices in the Western United States.
Education and Outreach Outcomes
Educational and outreach activities associated with this project generated important insights into effective strategies for disseminating agricultural research, particularly within small- and mid-scale farming communities in the Western United States.
Lessons Learned About Effective Dissemination
This project demonstrated that durable, asynchronous educational materials are a critical complement to traditional event-based outreach. Growers face significant constraints related to seasonality, labor demands, and geographic distance, which can limit participation in scheduled workshops or field days. Developing materials that can be accessed on demand allows producers to engage with research findings when they are most relevant to their operations.
Several dissemination lessons emerged:
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Written, step-by-step guides increase practical usability. A comprehensive guide that documents substrate preparation from start to finish provides growers with a reference they can return to repeatedly, supporting implementation beyond initial exposure.
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Multiple formats support broader understanding. Pairing written materials with a project video allows complex research processes and outcomes to be communicated clearly to audiences with different learning preferences.
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Platform-based dissemination supports longevity. Hosting educational materials within a digital platform creates a centralized location for research outputs and enables future expansion, updates, and peer-to-peer exchange without reliance on repeated in-person events.
Stakeholder Understanding of Agricultural Sustainability
Although broad dissemination is still in progress, this project has contributed to a clearer understanding of agricultural sustainability by framing research outcomes within real-world production decisions. Educational materials emphasize:
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The role of locally available agricultural byproducts in reducing waste and improving resource efficiency
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The economic implications of substrate choice, including input costs, labor, and production timelines
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The value of transparency and traceability in sourcing agricultural inputs
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Opportunities for collaboration between agricultural sectors that do not typically interact
By grounding sustainability concepts in measurable outcomes and farm-scale practices, the project supports a practical understanding of sustainability that aligns with producer priorities.
Recommendations for Future Outreach Efforts
Based on outcomes from this project, the following recommendations are offered for future education and outreach initiatives:
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Prioritize materials that persist beyond a single event, such as manuals, Extension publications, and videos.
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Design outreach strategies that accommodate seasonal farm schedules, allowing for asynchronous engagement.
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Integrate research dissemination with tools that support ongoing interaction, such as digital platforms or resource-sharing networks.
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Emphasize application-oriented framing, connecting research findings directly to operational decisions faced by producers.
Education & Outreach Outcomes Summary
The education and outreach outcomes of this project underscore the value of flexible, durable dissemination approaches that respect the realities of agricultural work. By focusing on long-term accessibility and practical relevance, this project contributes to more effective communication of agricultural research and supports deeper understanding of sustainability among current and future stakeholders. While quantitative engagement metrics are not yet available, the materials and platform developed through this project establish a foundation for future reach, adoption, and evaluation.
Farmers increased their understanding of whole, chipped hemp stalks as a viable, locally sourced alternative to hardwood sawdust for mushroom production, including biological performance, preparation requirements, and economic implications.
Participation in the project shifted attitudes around agricultural residues, reframing hemp stalks from waste material to a valuable production input that can support circular, regionally integrated farming systems.
Farmers developed skills in assessing substrate performance, including interpreting colonization speed, yield consistency, contamination tolerance, and production timelines when adapting mycelium to novel materials.
Farmers increased awareness of opportunities for collaboration between hemp and mushroom producers, including direct sourcing, shared infrastructure, and knowledge exchange as strategies to improve resilience and sustainability.