How do I check a mushroom farm’s harvest timing and picking records?

Mushrooms cannot wait. A room that is picked late loses quality fast, so timing records say a lot about how well the farm is run. Ask for the picking log for several full cycles in each room. Look for the start date, the number of flushes, yields per flush and the share that was downgraded or thrown out.

Compare rooms. If one room consistently produces less, ask why: air, temperature, compost or crew? Ask who decides when to pick and how that decision is recorded. If the seller has a feel for it that is not written down, plan time to learn it on the job.

Look at the labour side. Picking is hand work, so ask how many pickers are needed at peak, how they are paid and how many return. Compare the picking records with sales records to see that what was picked was sold. Your accountant can help you reconcile them. Ask what happens when a flush comes in early or heavy and customers cannot take it. Visit during a picking shift and watch the pace, quality checks and cooling. Ask how picking records were kept in a busy week, and whether anyone reviews them regularly. Ask too whether the seller has changed the picking schedule to suit buyers.

Key takeaways

• Get picking logs for several full cycles in every room.
• Compare rooms and ask why any one lags.
• Watch a picking shift for pace, quality and cooling.