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Growing a high quality mushroom product begins with a high quality compost. There are many variables that influence how many mushrooms will actually grow during a production cycle, but, the most important variable is a grower's "experience". Prairie's production team has over 100-years of growing experience. Their dedication to the science of composting, and continued research and development are the most important determinants of the quality that can be found inside every package of Prairie's mushrooms.

Compost preparation starts with a high quality wheat straw.This straw is soaked with a special Prewet machine for three consecutive days until it has become fully saturated with water. Supplements are then added to aid the composting process. These supplements include poultry litter, soya bean or canola meal. The internal temperature of the compost piles begins to rise to over 70 degrees Celsius. The compost is then transferred to a special concrete bunker system. Bunkers are equipped with special airnozzles that force air up through the middle of the compost pile to ensure nutritious and efficient composting.

After initial composting is complete, the compost mixture is loaded into growing rooms on long aluminum shelves. Using computerized temperature controls, the compost is pasteurized and conditioned to produce a safe, clean and nutritious compost. The compost is now ready to grow healthy, top quality mushrooms.

Spawn is mushroom mycelium or "mushroom seed", which is grown on a sterilized grain such as rye or millet. The spawn is mixed into the beds of compost by a spawn mixing machine.The compost temperature is held at 27 degrees Celsius to ensure optimum growth. After 12 to 14 days the spawn will have grown throughout the compost and is now ready for the final pre-production stage known as "casing".

After the spawn has grown through the compost completely, a layer of peat moss is applied to the growing beds. The spawn continues to grow through the layer of peat moss (casing). Peat moss aids the growing process by providing a much needed water reservoir. It also contains the bacteria needed to promote mushroom development. Once the spawn reaches the surface fresh air is introduced to the room and the temperature is lowered. This causes the mushroom spawn to knit together to form tiny white pins. These pins are the beginning of the mushrooms.

When mushrooms reach the desired size, harvesters begin to hand pick the mushrooms directly into market ready containers. To ensure a sanitary harvesting environment, pickers are required to wear hair nets and gloves. Harvesting will occur once or twice a day over the course of 3-days. Only mature mushrooms are harvested during each of the picks. A three-day pick is referred to as a "flush". In total, three flushes will take place over the course of 3-weeks. After harvesting is complete, the growing room is brought to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius for 24-hours to ensure any active bacteria is destroyed before the 'spent' compost is removed.

Immediately after harvesting, mushrooms are moved to a "quick cooler". Here they are placed inside one of six air-cooled compartments where cool air is forced through the individual containers. This accomplishes two things: a) it quickly stops any further development of the mushroom; and b) it moves the internal temperature of the mushrooms down rapidly to ensure the mushrooms remain firm, closed and healthy in appearance.

Each of Prairie's customers have unique packaging requirements. Whether its for retail or food service, Prairie responds quickly and efficiently to each customers needs. Because packaging is the single biggest determinant of how well the mushrooms quality will hold up after it leaves our facilities, there is ongoing research and development into options which will extend the life span of the product. Our packaging line is run by experienced packers who understand the quality expectations of each customer. Every mushroom handled in this sanitary environment is again evaluated against Prairie's quality standards prior to being packed. The high quality mushrooms will then be forwarded to our customers.

Prairie's commitment to its customers doesn't stop with growing the best quality mushroom, it continues with our dedication to on-time delivery and customer service. Our commitment to the just-in-time delivery model ensures customers receive the freshest mushroom products everyday of the year. Each of Prairie's fleet of delivery trucks are equipped with refrigeration units to help ensure the highest quality. Prairie has a strong record for getting its quality mushroom products to distant customers on time.