Part Farm, Part Mad Science: Den Hill Farm & Fungi
Ben Harder of Den Hill Farm & Fungi might as well be called the mad scientist of our market. Founded in 2012, Den Hill is a fixture of the market and focused mainly on a truly exciting offering: mushrooms!
Ben started his farming journey focusing on filling market gaps: asparagus, small fruits, edamame, and berries. Over his years at the market, he set his sights on fungi and that’s been a focus ever since.
Initially, Ben found his fungal inspiration from an AT hiker’s shiitake logs. In 2025, he started inoculating his own. That transitioned into other species: oyster mushrooms, lion’s mane, and chestnut mushrooms.
Now, Den Hill Farm & Fungi grows many different mushroom varieties and operates incredible and ingenious indoor grow houses in Ellett Valley. The farm prioritizes sustainability, reuse, and minimal inputs to grow the delicious mushrooms sold at market.
If you’re interested but cautious about the wild work of mushrooms, just find Ben or a member of his staff on Saturdays at the market and ask questions. Mushrooms are very easy to work with and each one complements a different type of cuisine. Stop by and say hello to Den Hill Farm & Fungi soon!
