Growing a Mushroom Farm Business with New Growth Support
When Makeesha Munro and her partner, Travis, started Root 54 Farm, a small-scale mushroom farm in Collins, Missouri, they were looking for a way to generate income in their rural community. Like many small business owners, they faced challenges in navigating the complexities of their industry, from production methods to marketing strategies. Fortunately, New Growth was there to help them find the right resources, connections, and mentorship to scale their farm into a thriving local business.
From Grow Tents to Growth Opportunities
Root 54 Farm started in a shop building using grow tents—a controlled environment necessary for cultivating mushrooms. However, Makeesha and Travis quickly realized that mushroom farming was more technical than they initially expected. After months of trial and error, they discovered New Growth’s mentorship program, which connected them with experienced growers like Robin Moore of MyCo Planet. Through this relationship, they learned how to refine their processes, improve efficiency, and ultimately increase their yield.
“We started out using the bucket method, thinking it would be a simple way to scale,” Makeesha explains. “But through mentorship, we learned that sterilization and the right substrate were key. It completely changed our approach and helped us cut costs while increasing production.”
Building a Network of Support
New Growth didn’t just help Root 54Farm with production techniques—it also opened doors for sales and collaboration. Through the organization’s farmer support programs, Makeesha connected with other local farmers, enabling Root 54 Farm to supply mushrooms to CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs.
“Jaclyn at New Growth encouraged us to reach out to CSA farmers and offer our mushrooms as an add-on to their customers. That approach has been a game-changer for us,” says Makeesha.
Through this guidance, Root 54 Farm partnered with local farms and markets, including Green Gate Family Farm, Roots& Harvest Farm Stop, and The Little Farm Store near Springfield, creating a steady market for their mushrooms.
“The farming community is so supportive,” Makeesha adds. “Everyone is working toward the same goal of providing fresh, local food, and New Growth plays a big role in making those connections happen.”
From Farm to Fork: Sharing Knowledge at the Summit
Makeesha’s journey with New Growth has come full circle, as she is now giving back by sharing her knowledge with others. At the upcoming Farm to Fork Summit on March 7, 2025, she will be co-leading an interactive demonstration on culinary mushroom cultivation alongside her mentor, Robin Moore of MyCo Planet.
Attendees will get a hands-on look at how to grow mushrooms using practical methods, including the bucket technique that Makeesha first experimented with at Root 54 Farm.
“It’s exciting to be able to share what we’ve learned and hopefully inspire other small farmers to consider mushroom cultivation as a viable business,” says Makeesha.
A Future of Growth, Thanks to New Growth
For Makeesha, being on the receiving end of New Growth’s support has deepened her appreciation for the role organizations like this play in rural business development.
“I’ve always referred people to New Growth in my work, but now, as a business owner myself, I’ve seen firsthand just how valuable they are,” she says. “Their support, mentorship, and connections have been instrumental in getting our farm to where it is today.”
Root 54 Farm continues to expand,with plans for value-added mushroom products and additional farm offerings in the near future. Thanks to the resources, guidance, and network provided by New Growth, Makeesha and Travis are building a business that not only sustains them but also strengthens the local food system in their community.