No tricks, just treats for October

Mushroom News, Oct, 2006 by Sara Manning

For the first time, all of our regular columnists are in the same issue. Spore Prints by Ray Samp, Financial Issues by Keith Silfee and Personal Computing by Reid Goldsborough enlighten us on growing issues around the world, help us manage and simplify finances, and tell us where to find help with computer problems. From all reports, these are the articles our members read first. The columns tell us how to find shortcuts, when not to, and give us ideas to solve complex problems. Ray, Keith and Reid, thanks for instructing us month after month. We really appreciate it!

Since it is still in the news, on television and the Internet, Avian Influenza Virus lists Web sites available to consumers for accurate answers about the causes, effects and spread of the disease. Governmental agencies, universities and poultry companies have pages of information available to the public. Some sites have a question and answer section while others have reports and brochures available to download. The American Mushroom Institute site has an AIV fact sheet that specifically concerns mushroom composting and poultry manure.

The AMI Update by Laura Phelps reviews the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) report for 2005-2006. The report shows production for all types of mushrooms at 843 million pounds and the average price as $1.05 per pound.

The 2007 Mushroom Council communications program will focus on the nutritional value of mushrooms according to Sally Cummins in the Mushroom Council Update. The health benefits of mushrooms will be conveyed in upcoming press materials, media events and presentations.

In the PA Fresh Update, Marilyn Dompe explains the importance of providing the foodservice customer with up-to-date information on the culinary and nutritional attributes of fresh mushrooms. Mushroom recipes and articles have been predominately featured in restaurant trade publications.

Look for news of the 21st Annual Mushroom Festival and an update on the 19th NAMC. Finally, we've got mail! Check out the letter to the editor by John T. Fletcher.

--Sara Manning, Editor