Agraria Journal Winter 2021

44 AGRARIA JOURNAL 2021 side of the barn. One of the team’s recommendations was installation of the standing seam metal roof. The second phase of the water catchment project, design of a retention pond and irrigation system, was completed last summer by ETHOS researcher Kate Hickey in consultation with water catchment specialists and landscape designers. The ETHOS teams also researched suppliers and provided cost estimates for materials and installation. Another ETHOS team met with 5 or 6 solar companies, got bids, designs, estimates, calculated rates of return and recommended which company would be the best fit for the job. These studies will inform Agraria’s efforts to continue modeling regenerative practices on the farm. Alternative Substrate for Winecap Mushrooms Come next spring, Agraria may be harvesting a crop of winecap mushrooms ((King Stropharia Rugosoannulata), thanks to a research collaboration with Central State University assistant professor Craig Schluttenhofer, Ph.D. and Marc Amante, a CSU Extension educator. The project is exploring the use of hemp straw as substrate for growing the mushrooms, which are edible, help build healthy soil, and may have medicinal properties.. There is little to no research on these mushrooms. The research will look at how long it takes to fruit, how long they last, viability, timing of yield, and productivity. Heritage Grain Trial Agraria is partnering with The Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance (RMSA) and Antioch Collegeon on a Heritage Grain Trial project to explore which varieties do well in our region. RMSA shared seed from drought tolerant, pest resistant (non commodity) grains, and they were planted in our perennial garden this fall. Antioch coop professor Beth Bridgeman is a lead on this project, which ties in with the Grain School she hosts each year. Once we complete the pilot year, we'll be able to see which of the grains are the most successful, and possibly plant these in larger quantities at Agraria and begin providing grains to local brewers, bakers, and restaurants. The project aligns with our work to strengthen the local food system. AMY HARPER Planting seed in Agraria’s perennial garden for the ancient heritage grain trial led by Beth Bridgeman. AMY HARPER Installing beds for the winecap mushroom research project led by Central State University. Volunteers Aaron Reporter-Harshaw and Sophie Singer helped with the installation.