SHIIGAW (Shiitake Growers Association of Wisconsin) is a non-profit association organized to educate and connect small-scale mushroom growers everywhere. Because small mushroom growers are not on every street corner, SHIIGAW can help a bunch.

SHIIGAW found its roots in a movement beginning in 1982 to grow Shiitake mushrooms on natural logs. Since Wisconsin is home to millions of acres of privately held small-diameter hardwood logs, the movement grew quickly to accommodate the interest of landowners, woodspeople and market gardeners. Their needs were clear; they needed more information to become better growers and marketers. What's changed in 20-plus years? The number of shiitake farms has decreased from the initial swell but the number of shiitake growers (from backyard cultivators to diversified market gardeners) has increased, as has their interest in other mushrooms.

Our headquarters are in Wisconsin, but family farms and part-time growers all over the country can benefit from SHIIGAW. Our focus is east of the Rockies to the Atlantic coast, but we bring information to and from the west as well. You can keep connected through newsletters and grower meetings.

If you are a new grower of specialty mushrooms, or just thinking about becoming one, get connected with SHIIGAW! Member fees help fund this website, newsletter and grants aimed at bringing you updated and relevant information about specialty mushroom cultivation.

Many SHIIGAW members live and grow shiitake mushrooms in Wisconsin, and others live outside Wisconsin. Many grow other specialty mushrooms besides shiitake, and some are just plain interested in dabbling with mushroom cultivation.

Getting Together

SHIIGAW hosts meetings around Wisconsin about cultivation and marketing of specialty mushrooms, and these often include a farm tour. SHIIGAW also hosts an annual cultivation workshop at grower-member Field and Forest Products in the spring.

The cost for a household membership is $25 annually. Call 1-800-792-6220 to sign up or join online