How Much Can You Make Growing Mushrooms?!

How does someone with zero farming experience to starting a successful mushroom farm? Sundown Hazen did it with grit, lots of determination, and YouTube University.

Sundown is the founder of Chesed Farms, a mushroom farm in Washington State. He turned his passion for local food into a business bringing in $200K per year.

With humble beginnings in his garage, Sundown spent $5,000 to start his business and bootstrapped it from day one, even build shelves by hand with used lumber. Never spending a dime on marketing, his mushroom farm relies on the unmatched freshness of his product as well as strategic partnerships.

In this interview, Sundown shares his insights on avoiding burnout as an entrepreneur, the steps to start a mushroom farm from home, and the tools that helped him succeed despite his initial lack of experience. Sundown’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded Washington’s Entrepreneur of the Year for 2022, a recognition that highlights his exceptional contributions to the local food industry.

Resources:

Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
02:24 - The farm
04:07 - Monthly overhead
05:07 - Incubation room
08:11 - Selling at a farmer’s market
10:33 - Revenue
11:15 - Fan blitz
13:20 - Wholesaling vs. Direct-to-consumer
14:51 - Restaurant menu
15:08 - Trying out a mushroom dish
15:40 - Startup challenges
16:41 - Mushroom types
19:33 - Branching out
20:22 - Advertising
21:15 - Local TV experience
23:00 - Biggest challenges
24:12 - Mushroom farming as a side hustle
26:04 - Setting up farm operations
27:37 - Learning from YouTube
29:30 - Starting with a partner
30:11 - Ways to avoid spoilage
32:25 - Favorite mushroom and recommended dish
33:18 - Successful farmer entrepreneur
34:14 - Doing things differently
35:23 - “Creatures”
36:33 - Systems
37:58 - Communication with customers
38:37 - Subscription program
40:22 - Outro

#mushrooms #mushroomfarming #mushroombusiness

[ArosIrwin]

The presenter is consistently not listening to what he's being told. The grower said they'd spent time on small farms, but the presenter keeps hammering home that he had no experience at all in farming. This isn't true. Later, the grower is explaining that the fruiting bodies are the mushroom trying to continue the circle of life but that we then harvest it, breaking the cycle. The presenter responded by making a circular gesture with his hands and claiming that it was all part of the cycle; the exact opposite of what the grower had just said.

[LucasInTheAyer]

You can tell this guy's a really intelligent dude. I don't think just anyone could have done this. He was extremely quick and eloquent with his responses. He was happy to share everything he could without withholding anything. He was born for success.

[bennoreuter]

It's so great that someone starts with "who is your customer" and "who is your competition" and "what do they not target". This is finally a solid foundation.

[tylero]

This is really cool. My niece sent me this video to watch. Shes a young entrepreneur and is interested in growing mushrooms. I just called the business and spoke with Sundown. We will be going down to see their operation once they set up their tours. This is a very interesting business.

[Growguru]

One thing to consider when building a mushroom grow setup is the cannabis industry has added countless products for growing that cross over into mushroom growing such as grow tents, climate control, etc

[allanscott-sw]

My recovery journey was greatly enhanced by the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms. Other psychedelics like DMT and LSD have also proven to be remarkable.

[jeremy_robert]

I spent so many years of my life under the spell of cigarettes, depression and severe ptsd. Gained my freedom with the help of nature using mushroom (psilocybin) precisely. After my experience with shrooms five years ago every cigarette I lit up tasted like literal poison. I would take one hit and put out the cigarette. I haven't smoked since, no more depressive mood and ptsd. Few doses of shroom experience made a 15 year 2 pack a day smoker quit instantly. Shrooms are life changing. There is no way you can put into words what it feels like..

[simplerway]

This is someone I’d be cheering for, just a nice guy

[onixtheone]

The secret to a business like this to thrive and not only survive; they’ve found a way to provide Value outside of the product they sell. You buy a Shroom but you get Knowledge and practical advice along with it.

[Bloomcycle]

I was one of those " I don't like yucky mushrooms " kid's. I'm 58 now and love mushrooms 🍄

[Brett_trejo]

I was having so much suicidal thoughts 10 years ago as a teenage, also suffered severe anxiety and mental disorder. I got diagnosed with bipolar, spent my whole life fighting bipolar. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment changed my life for better. I can proudly say i'm totally clean for 6 years and still counting. Always look to nature for solution to tough problems, Shrooms are phenomenal.

[EcomCarl]

Sundown story is a brilliant example of how passion paired with strategic market understanding can create a thriving agribusiness. His focus on direct relationships and quality product is a valuable lesson for any entrepreneur looking to cultivate a niche market successfully. 🍄

[makisp.]

Congratulations on your success. I like your open personality . And your generosity of information.

[nickwood]

I used to buy mushrooms from them right when they opened at the market in Walla. Great guys.

[margaretreginasaunders]

Oyster mushrooms recipe: Slice the oyster mushrooms and some red onions (thinly), salt and pepper them, pour olive oil, fresh basil, slices of Pecorino Romano, toss again, knead with your fingers. Let this rest for a bit. Get a piece of Lavash, toss on this beautiful mix, bake in 425 oven until bread is brown and crispy. You might bring the oven heat down a bit after about 10 minutes. Depending on the size and shape of your Lavash the center may stay wet so give it some extra time. Yummy!

[nuancematters]

Ah yess...I love the agricultural content...can't wait for the oyster farm episode, either!

[bigmclargehuge]

This is an amazing interview, so informative and not just glossing "Oooh, how neat" stuff, but very practical advise.

[greemur]

He picked the best time to go to Walla Walla. It's really beautiful in April. Cool to see such a great town spotlighted!

[Michael-diss]

I’m glad this dude found his calling. I was thinking of branching out with my own green chili.

[ISCFworld]

worked for a portobello mushroom farm This was hard core labor. This is harder then bricklaying.