Our Story

When we officially launched Rock River Valley Mushrooms (RRVM) in 2023, friends and family had a lot of questions. Mostly, “Why mushrooms?” And occasionally, “Are you guys okay?” Honestly, we’re still figuring that out. Let’s just say it was a mix of curiosity, a passion for good food, and the realization that mushrooms don’t roll their eyes at your outdated wardrobe choices.

(Or do they?)

How It All Began

As lifelong educators, we’ve spent years wrangling curious young minds, tackling life’s most perplexing questions—like, if Shakespeare were still around, would he believe in Bigfoot? Our love of learning and experimentation has always been part of who we are. But in 2020, that same curiosity led us down an unexpected (and slightly experimental) path right in our own backyard.

We found ourselves perfecting the art of guiding mushroom spawn into logs to grow shiitake and oyster mushrooms—plus, it gave us the perfect excuse to play in the dirt. What started as a simple backyard project quickly mushroomed (we couldn’t resist) into a cozy, family-run farm nestled in the scenic wetlands of the Rock River watershed, on the edge of Watertown, Wisconsin.

Life on the Edge of the Rock River

If you’re not familiar with southeastern Wisconsin, here’s the scoop: this region is known for its rich soil, unpredictable weather, and a growing season that runs from April through October—perfect for dairy farms, diverse crops, and yes, outdoor mushroom cultivation.

While the four seasons bring their own challenges, they can also be downright glorious. Of course, it’s not for the faint of heart—you’ve got to be ready for whatever nature throws your way, including the occasional -20°F three-dog-night. When winter settles in, it gives our shiitake logs a chance to recharge—taking a long, well-earned nap before spring returns.

Honestly, you do get used to it—and we’ll admit, it’s the perfect excuse to live in flannel and casually drop phrases like “long johns” and “thundersnow” into conversation.

(We must confess, though—it’s really hard to get long johns on a dog. So, we stick to hats and sweaters for our loyal guardians, Murphy and Doug the Dog.)

Rooted in Sustainability

All jokes aside, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From sourcing local hardwood and premium substrates to carefully controlling humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange, we grow our mushrooms with care, intention, and just a touch of fungi magic.

The result is a thoughtful, eco-friendly approach to farming—rooted in science, driven by passion, and proudly a little nerdy. We believe good food should be grown with respect for both the land and the people who enjoy it.

Seasonal Markets & Year-Round Orders

During the growing season, you’ll find us at farmers markets across southeastern Wisconsin. We’ll list our weekly market schedule right here when markets are open.

Good news: you can purchase fresh mushrooms all year long! During the winter months—or anytime the markets are closed—reach out directly at RRVmushrooms@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We post what’s fresh and available each week, along with farm updates and recipes, so follow us to stay in the loop!

Thanks for following along on our mushroom journey. Whether you found us at the farmers market, online, or by happy accident, we’re glad you’re here to share in the weird, wonderful world of fungi.