LAS VEGAS – A new initiative from the University of Nevada, Reno Extension is set to support budding agricultural talents with its Herds & Harvest Program. This program provides aspiring Nevada farmers and ranchers with the opportunity to obtain certification through its Nevada Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Small Acreage and Farm-to-Fork certification course running from January 22 to March 19.
This comprehensive program is not just about teaching theory; it dives deep, featuring classes every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom, along with insightful field trips which allow participants to tour local small-acreage farms and ranches across Washoe and Douglas Counties. According to the program coordinators, this hands-on approach provides invaluable real-world insights to the participants.
The curriculum covers various topics aimed to equip new farmers and ranchers with skills and knowledge necessary for their success. Sessions include:
- January 22: An overview of small-acreage and farm-to-fork production, with guidance on resources, jurisdictions, developing business plans, and setting agricultural goals.
- February 5: Focus on soil health and livestock grazing, teaching attendees about plant needs, growth requirements, and soil basics.
- February 12: Insights on value-added programs and marketing strategies for Nevada products, emphasizing direct sales and utilizing social media effectively.
- February 19: Introduction to livestock production and the essentials of nutrition, feed management, and species-specific needs.
- February 26: Discussion on meat quality and processing, which addresses best practices for nutritional management and compliance with meat regulations.
- March 5: Understanding Nevada's water rights and laws will be provided for effective resource management.
- March 12: Financial management for contemporary farms, covering business skills, estate planning, cash flow, and asset building.
- March 19: A conclusion of the course focusing on partnerships and available funding opportunities for Nevada producers.
Field trips are scheduled, allowing participants to engage directly with local farms. To receive certification, attendees are required to complete the course, attend either a field tour or the spring Nevada agriculture conferences, and review their business plans with mentors.
The program is affordable, costing just $60 per person. Registration is available online; prospective participants are encouraged to act swiftly as slots may fill up quickly. For more detailed inquiries, Staci Emm, Extension professor, and Kaley Chapin, Extension outreach specialist, can be reached for more information.
The Herds & Harvest Program plays a pivotal role within the support framework for beginning farmers by helping them develop meaningful business skills and management techniques, all of which are fundamental for success. "The Extension Herds & Harvest Program combines a series of workshops on different topics and provides educational business management and mentoring skill building to support Nevada agricultural producers," stated program representatives.
The initiative is part of the broader Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, emphasizing the importance of equipping new entrants to agriculture with comprehensive education and support.
With increasing interest in local food production and sustainability, programs like Herds & Harvest are more important than ever. They not only inspire new farmers but also contribute to the economy by strengthening local food systems and creating sustainable agricultural practices.
For anyone interested in taking part, all necessary steps to register can be completed online, and assistance is available for those needing accommodations. The program firmly believes investing time in education now prepares new farmers to face the dynamic challenges of modern agriculture with confidence.
