Machinist to Mushrooms: Let’s meet a Texas farmer who is utilizing all the benefits of mushrooms

There are some 10,000 varieties of mushrooms grown in Texas, and one mushroom farmer is not only growing this delicacy for restaurants, he is turning the waste product into fertilizer.

Tammi Arender got the chance to visit and see this unique segment of Texas agriculture.

For more on mushroom farming, watch Texas Agriculture Matters Tuesday nights at 7 PM Eastern.

Related Stories
The two-year fellowship focuses on developing leadership and policy skills for the next generation of agriculture advocates.
Triangle H received the 2022 Feedyard Commitment to Excellence Award from Certified Angus Beef, gaining national recognition for its cattle care and quality.
The work could apply to ready-to-eat meals and delicate foods such as freeze-dried berries.
The Byrum family says bringing the next generation back to the farm is helping strengthen both the operation and the family bond.
Family farms in Albemarle and Augusta counties turn tulip fields into seasonal attractions that connect visitors with agriculture.
The Iowa cattle operation was recognized for its focus on soil health and sustainable farming practices.

Tammi was raised on a cotton and soybean farm in Tallulah, Louisiana. In 1981, she became a TV news anchor and reporter at KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana. She is also an anchor/reporter for RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 on Sirius XM at their Nashville news studio, where Tammi currently resides.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Avocado growers and buyers face sharp price swings when Mexican supply changes faster than alternative sources can respond.
Corn farmers and ethanol groups are urging Senate action on E-15 legislation while grain basis values strengthen in eastern states.
Julia Andrus with Phospholutions joins us to discuss fertilizer market uncertainty, evolving grower strategies, and how efficiency is reshaping nutrient management decisions in modern agriculture.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s record farm cash receipts, profitability trends in livestock and crops, and the impact of rising input costs in 2026.
Fred Nichols with Huma discusses corn nutrition timing, side-dress nitrogen strategies, and key management tips as the 2026 crop continues to develop across the Midwest.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.